If this were the last time what would we do differently?
If we weren’t going to do this again how would we be?
Would we be cold, indifferent or even mean, like we sometimes are, if this was the last opportunity to be together? Would we waste time arguing or falling out over things that in the end aren’t that important?
Might we not rather think on all the reasons we’ve known to be thankful? Might we make a point of celebrating and saying thank you? Would we play our favourite music, sing words that live in our hearts, share our food, perhaps exchange gifts.
If this were the last time, shouldn’t we spend it expressing love?
I think that’s what Mary of Bethany is doing in John 12.
She’s been listening carefully and senses correctly that this is the last time Jesus will be dining with them, so she breaks open a family treasure and anoints him with exquisite, expensive perfume.
Some criticise her action as inappropriate and wasteful but the Lord defends her. He appreciates sacrifice. He’s about to give His life to save the world from sin and just now Mary seems the only one who understands this. He says what she has done is beautiful and significant.
We like to think we’ll have many more good times together but there is wisdom in the saying that we should live each day as if it’s our last. It may be!
So let’s spend today gratefully, joyfully, trusting the Lord our Saviour and inspiration and following Mary’s example of doing things that are beautiful, loving and good.
Grace and peace.
If we weren’t going to do this again how would we be?
Would we be cold, indifferent or even mean, like we sometimes are, if this was the last opportunity to be together? Would we waste time arguing or falling out over things that in the end aren’t that important?
Might we not rather think on all the reasons we’ve known to be thankful? Might we make a point of celebrating and saying thank you? Would we play our favourite music, sing words that live in our hearts, share our food, perhaps exchange gifts.
If this were the last time, shouldn’t we spend it expressing love?
I think that’s what Mary of Bethany is doing in John 12.
She’s been listening carefully and senses correctly that this is the last time Jesus will be dining with them, so she breaks open a family treasure and anoints him with exquisite, expensive perfume.
Some criticise her action as inappropriate and wasteful but the Lord defends her. He appreciates sacrifice. He’s about to give His life to save the world from sin and just now Mary seems the only one who understands this. He says what she has done is beautiful and significant.
We like to think we’ll have many more good times together but there is wisdom in the saying that we should live each day as if it’s our last. It may be!
So let’s spend today gratefully, joyfully, trusting the Lord our Saviour and inspiration and following Mary’s example of doing things that are beautiful, loving and good.
Grace and peace.
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