Alabaster Jar

(Matt. 26:3-13 + Mk. 14:1-9 + Lk. 10:39-42 + Jn. 12:2-8) RLB 10/11/23

All I could do, was sit quietly at His feet,
And listen to His every word, before we eat.
It was like, there was, no one else in the room.
Not even my sister, vigorously sweeping a broom.

Of course she complained, about all to be done.
That she was doing alone, she was the only one.
Then I heard Jesus reply, “Martha, Martha, my dear.
Worries have you upset, but the one thing is here.

Mary has discovered it and it will not be taken.
You think your way is better, but you’re mistaken.
Distractions in our lives, can throw us off track.
Satan uses them against us, it’s his main attack.”

I ran to my room and grabbed the alabaster jar,
An expensive perfume made from essences of nard.
Broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head.
After my harsh scolding, this is what He said,

“Leave her alone. Why criticize what she’s done?
For anointing my body for burial, she will be the one,
Who is mentioned every-time, the Gospel is preached;
Across the world, until all nations are reached.”

The alabaster jar, was the greatest treasure she owned.
 Poured out on Jesus, because she’d been atoned.
We can learn many lessons, from Mary’s good deed.
Listening to God’s Word is one. We should daily read.

Another is being willing, to give all and surrender.
Being real in our faith and not a pretender.
Repent of the distractions that hold us back.
Focus our heart on Jesus, His love we’ll not lack.

Mary was willing to give her most valuable prize.
After looking very deeply into Jesus’ eyes.
Let us, like her, give back all we’ve been given.
Because of God’s love, we have been forgiven.