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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