S) "10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, 'Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me. 11 For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. 12 For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. 13 Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.'"
Matthew 26:10-13 (NASB)
O) Nearing the end of His ministry, Jesus knew the time of His death was coming. He understood, and was trying to teach His disciples, the value of spending time with Him. This wasn't the first time (Mary and Martha had the same lesson), but here the time spent with Him is translated to something of a financial value. The disciples were mad, apparently, because of the value of the perfume being "wasted" in such a way. Beyond the simple act of sacrifice, Jesus said the woman was actually preparing Him for burial. He knew, not only the true value of time spent with Him, but also the importance of how that time was spent.
A) There is time spent with my wife, and then there is quality time spent with my wife. There is time spent with the LORD, and then there is quality time spent with Him. Often times, the desires of my wife determine the quality of the time I spend with her. Similarly, the desires of God (i.e., His will) determines whether or not the time I'm spending is effective, purposeful, quality time. Devotional time, and prayer time, should not be about me getting things from God. It should primarily be about me giving things to God. In so doing, I may even begin fulfilling His purpose for plans He has. I want God to use me, but in order for that to happen, I need to make myself available directly to Him. Serving and loving others is important, but first I should seek to serve and love my Lord.
P) Father, I want to bring something valuable to You, Lord. I want to bless You with my offering, and spend time with You. I want that time to mean something. I want to have quality time with You, Father God. Help me be wise with my time. I want to love and serve others, but I want to start by loving and serving You directly. Open my eyes and ears, so I can understand how to do that better. I want Your will to be done, however that looks. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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