John 12:4-6
But Judas
Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said,
"Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to
the poor?" (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he
was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.)
Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the
day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have
me." (New Revised Standard Version)
One of the
most compelling parts of the television show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
is the special room that Ty Pennington designs and creates - usually for the head
caregiver of the family that is receiving the new home. The beautiful nature of
Ty's design creativity is found in the special details of the room. Ty goes to
great lengths to blend color and comfort, perks and indulgences. For those of
you who have watched the show, you know that when the receiver of the new room
walks into their special space, they're face responds with 'wow' and 'oh my
goodness.' They're usually speechless as they soak in with all their senses the
beauty of their new room. They are astounded that such generosity would come to them.
Today when
we reflect upon how to love deeply, we are encouraged to do the unaffordable. Now
this doesn't mean to go into extreme debt as you purchase luxury items for your
loved one. But it does mean that when we consider loving deeply, we dream God's
biggest dream.
Yesterday,
when I was out on my three mile run early in the morning, I was trekking along
the trail at a strong pace. As I ran along the trail my eyes caught some blue
color in the middle of a grove of trees. Then I saw a white blanket, with a
backpack, and a man resting his head and back against a tree. When I first saw
him, it didn't register with me that this man was homeless and had spent the
night sleeping under the protection of the trees. The further I ran from him,
the more I realized that this man had probably walked along this trail, rested
for the night and would soon return to his travels. My first instinct was to
protect myself - I ran faster. Then I thought about our theme of loving deeply
and being extravagant with our love - ugh - God's voice called again. I'd
reached my halfway point by then and turned back to return to the trail to my
house. As my feet hit the pavement, I resolved that I'd offer to bring this
homeless man breakfast and a cup of coffee. When I reached the grove of trees,
I looked and looked, but he was already gone.
When you
think about loving deeply, where do you protect yourself and 'run faster'
because it's not affordable? Where in your life could you love deeply, but the
world's standards say - it's too expensive or the return on that isn't worth
the cost? Pray for the courage to love deeply and unaffordably and then boldly
act on that prayer.
-Pastor Rhonda
