John 12:1-11
1Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5“Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6(He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” 9When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, 11since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
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How many times over have you not fully appreciated something? The ability to enjoy food the availability of it; the roof over your head; the stability and income from your job; the joys of parenting; the faithfulness and love of your spouse; the simple moment of wherever you are now. We always want more. We’re always looking toward the next thing.
It’s often that way with Jesus too—just as Judas failed to realize that Jesus held the most worth in that room, we’re so busy wondering where Jesus might be that we fail to see Him working through the people right in front of us. We have so many questions about God’s activity that we don’t even notice the Holy Spirit’s movement in, through, around, and ahead of us.
Today, take the time to slow down. To realize that contentment is better than consumption. To realize that here is the only place you will ever be. To realize that God has been with you the whole time.
Prayer: Good and Gracious God, help us to enjoy this moment—in our day and in this season of our lives. You paid the ultimate price, yet your grace is the only thing truly priceless. Help us to appreciate the blessings around us and Your Presence before us—now and always—through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
—Pastor Joe Orner