Saturday, March 28, 2009

ALL I HAVE, I GLADLY GIVE

SCRIPTURE


John 12:1-11 (NRSV)

Jesus is anointed for his coming death

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary 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. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" (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.) Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."

When 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. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.

MEDITATION—Today is Saturday Psalmody! On Saturday's the meditation is offered as a psalm from my heart. If you would prefer a more traditional rendering of a similar story, please read my devotional from February 14, 2009 entitled “Love Poured Out.” It can be found at http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/02/love-poured-out-alabaster-box.html


ALL I HAVE, I GLADLY GIVE

Like Mary, my heart overflows with love for you

I long to push through the crowds

and to sit at your feet

I wish…

I wish I had something

Something of value

Something to give to you

Mary—

she had her oil,

her precious perfume.

I have nothing

No-thing

Nothing at all

Except…

Except My life

Except My tears

Except My hopes

Except My dreams

Will you accept them?

Lord, I gladly give them all to you…

When I think about how much you love me

How you proved that love on Golgotha’s tree

My heart feels like it is going to explode

My words get caught behind a lump in my throat

My tears drench your feet

I wipe them with my hair…

Lifting my hands to the sky

I drop to my knees

Falling down I cry out

in worship

in honor

in adoration

Crying …

Crying out my thanks and praise to you!

How is it possible that you love me so?

Loved me enough to live--

To heal, to deliver, to save.

Loved me enough to die--

To suffer, to bleed, to cry out from the cross

Father,

Forgive her!

Forgive her!

Forgive her! She knows not what she does…

Your words echo throughout eternity

Your blood covers the multitude of my sin

All of it…

ALL OF IT my king,

Proves your great love for me

Your great love for us!

That same great love

Raised you on Sunday morning

Third day—

Sunday—

Holy Day—

Miracle Day—

You got up!

With all power in your hands

You got up!

Triumphant over sin, death and the grave

You got up!

And now, here you stand

My savior

My brother

My friend

My priest

My everything

Forever…

O how I love you!

Oh how I love you!

Oh how I love you!

Because you first loved me…


ANNOUNCEMENTS

We are celebrating with all of the people who have put all of their hope in Jesus! Happy Re-Birth-Day!


TODAY: Saturday, 3/28, from 9:00-10:00am CST, the Good News Living Book Club will be discussing the book Hinds Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard. Even if you have not read the book, please join us for fun and fellowship! You can access the chat room at http://www.chatzy.com/932083555322

You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda

Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry. http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews

You are invited to leave comments or questions regarding today’s devotional. These comments are public.

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Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.

From Pastor Yolanda’s blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/

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