From: March 8, 2015
On the Wednesday before Christ’s crucifixion, Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus (see John 11:2-3), anointed His head with an expensive oil. This oil, which was worth over 300 day’s wages (“300 denarii”), was contained in a sealed alabaster flask. Some have suggested that the flask was part of her dowry to be given to her future husband. Others have said it was part of the family’s own preparation for her burial someday. Yet, Mary took her most valuable possession, broke it and poured its entire contents over Jesus’ head. The disciples criticized her for what seemed to them an extravagant waste, but Jesus rebuked them and approved her sacrifice of love. For only two days later, He would offer His own body, broken and poured out, for their sins.
From: March 8, 2014
When Moses expressed doubt that God could keep them in meat for a month, God had a quick reply. I suppose Moses would have kept his doubts to himself, if God would have just offered to make a meat delivery without an announcement. But God wanted Moses to tell those grumbling Israelites that meat for a month was on the way. Having to stand up in front of those growling stomachs and promise that God would provide was overwhelming to Moses. It’s one thing to try and believe God’s Word and trust in His power for yourself. But when you have to stand up in front of a bunch of doubters and declare your faith… That connects your credibility to God’s! And God still does this. He still speaks through His Word and His “arm” is just as powerful as ever. The question is not whether God can do it. The question is who will so trust God that they will stand up and make the announcement!
From: March 8, 2013
This was David’s prayer after committing adultery with Bathsheba. He wanted God’s forgiveness to extend to his experience, so that he felt clean again. It’s one thing to believe that God has forgiven, but another to experience that forgiveness. “Wash me” is an intimate and humble invitation. It admits one’s filthy condition and also one’s inability to get clean without help. Perhaps we fail to completely experience forgiveness because we’ve yet to admit both the depth of our sin and our total inadequacy at getting clean. Let us pray as David, “Wash me, Lord!”
From: March 8, 2012
David’s psalm of confession after committing adultery with Bathsheba. He prayed for forgiveness not because he deserved it, but according to God’s great love. God ultimately answered David’s prayer by sending Jesus. Have you sinned? Cry out to Jesus. He forgives according to His great mercy, not according to your desert.
From: March 8, 2011
Is there an area of your life where you doubt God’s reach? God’s Word will not fail. His mighty arm will accomplish what His Word has declared.