Alabaster Box

More than 200 years ago the Scottish poet, Thomas Campbell wrote this, “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” The Bible tells us about a woman who has been remembered for more than 2000 years, and we don’t even know her name.

Matthew tells the story of a woman who came to Jesus with an alabaster box filled with very expensive perfume, which she poured upon His head. The disciples were furious, saying the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus asked why they were giving her a hard time, because she had just done a beautiful thing FOR Him, reminding them that they would always have the poor, but they would not always have Him.

And then Jesus added, “Wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done is going to be remembered and admired, and they will tell others.” WOW! What a lesson from the lips of Jesus, reminding us that worshipping HIM is what is really important. We don’t know this woman’s name, yet it is clear that she understood Jesus even more than His own disciples! Her focus was on Jesus, HIMSELF, now simply on doing good things FOR Him! And 2000 years later we still remember and admire this unnamed woman.

Alabaster was very expensive in Bible times, and used only for very important purposes. Likewise, our alabaster boxes hold our most precious possessions, our most private thoughts, the things nearest and dearest to our hearts. What’s in your alabaster box? Is it doing good things FOR Jesus, or is it pure devotion TO Jesus?

Let me quickly add - - never neglect your service for God, but neither should you ever put service before your devotion to God! OSWALD CHAMBERS said it best: “The most important thing in the world is to KNOW CHRIST.”

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Blessings!

Willie Jordan (Mrs. Fred Jordan)