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Please, Jesus, don’t make waves
Monday, March 21, 2016
Monday of Holy Week
John 12:3, 7-8
Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
(Judas Iscariot complained). But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
What are you talking about, Jesus? What is this about “burial?” Don’t be so negative. The people love you.
Didn’t you hear them shouting praises yesterday? They will never turn away from you again; their love was rich and strong. They believe in you, in your words, in your miracles. You have brought them the Kingdom of Heaven, and they love you.
Sure … we won’t always have you. Everybody dies. But not now. Not in the middle of the revolution of love. This is the most wonderful time in the history of God and his people. The dove of peace flies and God calls out, “This is my beloved son. Listen to him.”
I know the Pharisees don’t get it, and the scribes want to keep their power. But the people are finally feeling their strength, and they love you. All you have to do is let them. Keep a low profile for a few days during Passover, and everything will be fine.
Of course a lot of people resent the way you overturned tables at the temple. But you’ve always shaken things up; no one should be that surprised. And now you’ve gotten their attention, so you can talk about God’s love and the Kingdom of Heaven.
If things have changed, I just don’t see it. So stop all this talk about dying, Jesus. Let’s enjoy the festival. We can go back to being exalted by being humble … next week.
It must take such strength, Jesus, to protect the bruised reed and smoldering wick. Your work this week establishes justice on the earth. Your Father spreads out the earth with its crops and gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk on it. Grasp me by the hand, Jesus, and show me the power of love. Stronger than death. Humble my desire to be strong, and let me watch how you continue to do only what you see your Father doing.
http://www.christiancounselingservice.com/archived_devotions.php?article_id=1475
