Holy Wednesday: Nard or Greed?

On this Holy Wednesday morning, I greet you my fellow sojourner.

How are you?

How is your walk with Christ? 

Is there hidden sin or excess spiritual weight hindering your progress?

Are your feet continuing to be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace?

I pray that you and I will heed the message of the song shared below:

"Weak and wounded sinner

Lost and left to die

O, raise your head for love is passing by

Come to Jesus

Come to Jesus

Come to Jesus and live.

Now your burden's lifted

And carried far away

And precious blood has washed away the stain

So sing to Jesus

Sing to Jesus

Sing to Jesus and live.

And like a newborn baby

Don't be afraid to crawl

And remember when you walk sometimes we fail

So fall on Jesus

Fall on Jesus

Fall on Jesus and live.

Sometimes the way is lonely

And steep and filled with pain

So if your sky is dark and pours the rain

Then cry to Jesus

Cry to Jesus

Cry to Jesus and live.

O, and when the love spills over

And music fills the night

And when you can't contain your joy inside

Then dance for Jesus

Dance for Jesus

Dance for Jesus and live.

And with your final heartbeat

Kiss the world goodbye

Then go in peace and laugh on Glory's side

And fly to Jesus

Fly to Jesus

Fly to Jesus and live."

Come to Jesus, Chris Rice

The song, to me, depicts a spirit of surrender -- a call to offer our all to Jesus whether it be walking, singing, falling, crying, dancing, flying, or dying . . .  

What is your offering on this Holy Wednesday?

Only two days before the Friday marking the crucifixion of Jesus, two significant events took place, as reported in Mark 14:1-11—a woman poured pure nard (a very expensive perfume) on the head of Christ out of exuberant love and Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests to betray the Master out of pitiable greed (being promised a mere sum of thirty pieces of silver). Yet, out of the fullness of God's grace, both offerings were used to foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Christ who gave His costly self freely on behalf of mere humans. 

What a marvel to ponder the wondrous work of our King! 

The economy of His grace never ceases to amaze.

The first event depicts a woman so driven by love and worship that she dared, risked, and sacrificed much in order to approach Christ. She interrupted a dinner party and moved outside of her social constraints simply because her heart longed to adore our Lord in a lavish and extravagant way. 

"One day a plain village woman

Driven by love for her Lord

Recklessly poured out a valuable essence

Disregarding the scorn

And once it was broken and spilled out

A fragrance filled all the room

Like a prisoner released from his shackles

Like a spirit set free from the tomb

Broken and spilled out

Just for love of You, Jesus

My most precious treasure

Lavished on Thee

Broken and spilled out

And poured at Your feet

In sweet abandon

Let me be spilled out

And used up for Thee."

Extracted from Broken and Spilled Out, Steve Green

Do you and I offer our love, our most precious nard, to Christ similarly—not dwelling upon what others might think or say, but from the deepest springs of our hearts, with displays of lavish awe and exuberant sacrifice?

I pray we choose to do so today.

The second event tells of a man, Judas Iscariot, one highly privileged to belong to the fellowship of the twelve and one so consumed with greed that he was willing to sell out the One who owns true riches. Entrusted with the treasury of the group, his appetite for more only grew because “he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it” (John 12:6). 

Do you and I betray Christ in like fashion—not being content with the fellowship and intimacy He offers, but seeking greedily to pounce upon furtive opportunities to find cheap substitutionary “sums,” later regretting yet not fully accepting the forgiveness and grace Christ offers?

I am humbled by Christ's love.

He knew in advance that Judas would betray Him.

He knew in advance that Peter would deny Him three times.

He knew in advance that humanity would dishonor Him with insolent ingratitude and idolatry.

YET . . .

He still came to earth.

He still made His way to the Cross.

He still chose to be broken and spilled out.

"Lord, You were God's precious treasure

His loved and His own perfect Son

Sent here to show me

The love of the Father

Just for love it was done

And though You were perfect and holy

You gave up Yourself willingly

You spared no expense for my pardon

You were used up and wasted for me

Broken and spilled out

Just for love of me, Jesus

God's most precious treasure

Lavished on me

Broken and spilled out

And poured at my feet

In sweet abandon

Lord, You were spilled out and used up for me."

Extracted from Broken and Spilled Out, Steve Green

Please, pray with me:

Sweet Jesus, thank You for Your grace. Though, like Judas Iscariot, we betray You daily to the “priests” of self-indulgence and idolatry, help us to cling to Your grace that we may be content with Your fellowship, intimacy, and love. Give us a heart driven by exuberant love and unadulterated worship like that of the plain village woman. Humble us, Lord, that we may rend our hearts and break the alabaster jars of our appearance, our reputation, our lust for human recognition, or the sense of polish and finesse that we value in word, thought, or deed. Remind us that You value the rough matters that teem our hearts and despise the flawless facades we use to impress others, betraying You in the process. You know our hearts, our fears, our weaknesses, and our sinful ways. In spite of it all, You offer us Your broken body and Your poured-out wine because You love us so incredibly much. Help us to offer You our broken selves—spilled out, poured out on Your head, and used up for Your higher purposes. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.