Call to Gather, Pray and Worship God
Psalm 32:8-11
- I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. - Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you. - Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the Lord’s unfailing love
surrounds the one who trusts in him. - Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Pondering Point
Today’s blessing comes in partnering with God by trusting Him, not being stubborn (like the mule) but controllable without a bit and bridle? Pray for this blessing in God for you and others.
Scripture's Story for the Week
Jesus anointed by Mary at Bethany
John 12:1-11
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
Pondering Point
Our Scripture story is brought up earlier this week in Tuesday’s Immersion material. The event happens in the home of Mary and Martha, sisters to Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead. There is an interesting parallel between today’s story and the one found in Luke 10:38-41. In both instances we find Martha moving about in service to Jesus. And in both instances, we find Mary at the feet of Jesus.
The first one (in Luke) has Mary sitting and listening to Him teach. With Mary facing criticism from Martha about serving, Jesus points out that Mary has chosen “what is better.” In the second event, a dinner held in Jesus’ honor, Mary is not just sitting but is anointing Jesus’ feet. Here too Mary faces criticism from others but finds herself defended by Jesus again. Read and learn the story well enough so that you are able to share it with someone else when the Spirit prompts you to do so.
Prayer
Father God, there is much to learn from Mary’s example, but even more to learn from You – both in Your example and in Your teaching. Mary’s family honored You with a dinner, with service, and with attentiveness to Your presence. Mostly they honored You by believing in You as Lord and becoming Your followers. How can I honor You in my life? Show me I pray – in Your name. Amen.