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May Devotion
| Scripture:
Now while Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a
woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, and
she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. But when the disciples
saw it, they were angry and said, "Why this waste? For this ointment
could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor."
But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman?
She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor
with you, but you will not always have me. By pouring this ointment
on my body she has prepared me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever
this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done
will be told in remembrance of her." Matthew 26:6-13 Question for reflection: When has God spoken to you or guided you through the words or actions of another? Hymn: WOV #765 "Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love" or LBW #425 / LW #397 "O God of Mercy, God of Light" Prayer: Dear Father, please connect our lives and our spirit to yours, and open our eyes to see our connections to one another. Help us walk in the light of your love. Amen. |
"Memorable Service" by Diana Iltzsche I never thought I would get excited over a word printed on a computer screen, but I do! Because our internet server is usually busy, when I finally see the word "connecting" flashing on the screen, I fill with anticipation as my E-mail messages are downloaded. Recently, as I was trying to get on-line, I found myself reflecting upon the amazing power of the internet connecting business. As I was thinking about the global ramifications of cyberspace, I became aware of a still small voice. I could almost hear Jesus say, "I am the great connector and my servants are in the connecting business of the spirit." It was through the powerful connecting presence of God that Jesus and an unnamed woman from Bethany shared in a memorable experience. Matthew tells us that she came to join the other guests, including the disciples, to visit Jesus at the home of a man with leprosy named Simon. The woman, feeling deeply connected to Jesus, stepped out of the group to act upon her love. She honored Jesus by pouring very valuable ointment on his head, worth as much as an average man's yearly salary. Her actions had a profound effect on Jesus. God spoke to him through her touch. Jesus welcomed her gift and understood that his body was being anointed in preparation for burial. This affirmed again that he was following God's plan for his life and God was providing what he needed. In gratitude to the woman, Jesus told the onlookers that her service to him would always be remembered. This woman's behavior and Jesus' acceptance of it outraged the disciples. Wasn't service to the poor more important? They wanted Jesus to take the gift, sell it, and donate the money. In fact, right after this incident Judas betrays Jesus by making a deal with the authorities (Matthew 26:14). Our service is of greatest value to God when we seek to be connected to Him first. Our lives are transformed when we allow the Holy Spirit to bring His love to us. And He will speak to us through experiences like the one Jesus had with this woman, moments when we just know God is present. The disciples were focused on "doing good deeds" for God, when He wants us first to experience His goodness and seek His will. Our service to others comes through this connection. God will surely guide each of us on the path He desires for us, and He will provide for our needs just as He did for His son, Jesus. About the Author: Diana Iltzsche is a deaconess in Valparaiso, Indiana, where she is a mother to two daughters and a case manager for the elementary special education program in the schools of Hammond, Indiana. |
