May 21

Extravagant Worship

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 71:15-18 | 1 Samuel 29:1-31:13 | John 11:54-12:19 | Proverbs 15:24-26

Today’s Scripture Focus:  John 11:54-12:19

“Lazarus and his sisters invited Jesus to dinner at their home. Martha served. Lazarus was one of those sitting at the table with them. Mary came in with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, anointed and massaged Jesus’ feet, and then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance of the oils filled the house” (John 12:2-3 The Message).

Worship takes many forms. Martha worshipped by serving. Service is a valid form of worship–and someone needed to do it. We can work without worshipping of course—at times our work keeps us from enjoying the presence of Jesus (Martha in another text is gently rebuked for that).  But serving in love as unto Jesus is an act of worship. Service done with the right attitude and focus is a sweet smelling fragrance to the Lord.

Lazarus just enjoyed the presence of Jesus—reclining at the table and talking to him friend to friend. This is another form of worship. Imagine the joy Lazarus felt in being reunited with the one who had raised him from the dead. Often worship brings times of the joy of God’s presence as we converse with him and enjoy our fellowship with one another.

Mary, one who was already given to enjoying Jesus presence, in this case goes a step further.  She enters into extravagant worship. She anoints Jesus feet with an expensive perfume—even wiping his feet with her hair.  In this beautiful, expensive and extravagant act she expresses her love and devotion to Jesus. She went the extra mile—her worship was costly. You can be sure that the beautiful aroma of the act of worship went beyond the room and into the presence of the Father. Extravagant worship always does.

Judas missed out on the worship. He was the practical one—the selfish one. Why waste so much good money on such an extravagant and expensive act? His selfish motives kept him from entering into the beautiful acts of worship that were taking place.

Don’t miss the opportunity to worship Jesus: practically, joyfully and extravagantly. Focus on Jesus, not yourself, and find joy in his presence. He is worthy of our worship in its many forms and expressions.

Lord Jesus, I long to enjoy your presence and worship you today. I long to enter into extravagant worship—let my worship rise to you as a beautiful aroma. Amen.