How Beautiful Is Your Worship? – Beloved Women – October 28, 2024
READ: “And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, ‘Why was the ointment wasted like that?’” (Mark 14:3-4 ESV)
TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: As an honored guest, Jesus was relaxing with Simon when she entered with an unapproved agenda item for the evening. Pausing, she broke open her gift, raised her flask, and poured out its contents over His head. She didn’t try to hold anything back for a more appropriate time. She anointed Him with a depth of devotion that was scandalously vulnerable. Her extravagant display didn't go unnoticed. Immediately, her actions invoked scorn from bystanders. What seemed like a waste to the witnesses in the room, was met with grace by Jesus. He admonished them saying, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.” We often criticize or condemn what we don’t understand. We secretly hope the sting of shame will bring the offender in line under the glare of our scrutiny. Beautiful worship is love broken open and poured out at the feet of Christ. Godly women listen to what Christ says about our worship. He declared her actions to be beautiful in His sight. Christ wants us to lavish Him with our devotion without concern over appearances. May our love be broken open and freely poured out in our praise.
PRAY: God, forgive me for trying to tame my worship to fit into an acceptable box. May I be broken open by my love for You. May I always come before You with sacrificial praise and devotion. May I no longer live in fear of how I look to others. And may I be more concerned with how I appear in Your sight. In Jesus Christ’s Name, I pray, Amen.
REFLECT: Think of the first time you saw someone worship in a manner different from yours. How did that make you feel? Take time to search your heart and see if you’re holding back in your praise and worship out of fear and shame.
CONNECT: Find more encouragement from Alida Sharp at www.alidasharp.com.
© 2020 by Alida Sharp. All rights reserved.
For more Beloved encouragement including Daily Devotionals, practical advice for everyday Christian living, Bible Studies, and more be sure to visit us at www.belovedwomen.org.
Listen to Beloved Women's Founder & President on her new podcast, Teach Us to Pray!
