Of Nard and sound systems . . .

You remember the story in John 12 when Mary (of Mary and Martha fame) breaks open the expensive jar of perfume made of nard, pours it on Jesus feet, and massages it in with her hair?

Some standing close by, one being Judas Iscariot, criticized Mary for wasting the expensive perfume, which could have been sold and the proceeds used to help the poor.

I went to a church yesterday that I had not visited in over a year. They had recently completed a major renovation project creating a new worship space out of a sixties style fellowship hall. It was expensive. No corners were cut. I sat in the congregation and basically salivated at the thought of leading worship there.

I am sure some were critical. Is it worth the money? What kind of mission work could have been done instead?

But yesterday alone there were three baptisms, adult and children. Two services in the room are filling up after only three weeks. I imagine average worship is already up by a hundred or so at least. Worshippers are excited. And the excitement is contagious. Which means more will come to worship. And those that come are challenged to live as Christ. Yesterday the crowds were challenged to feel the rhythm of forgiving and being forgiven. No softballs there. But the people are coming to hear the challenge.

Notice part of Jesus' response in the Mark 14 version of the story:

"I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told . . ."

God loves us extravagantly. With ridiculous abundance. He wants us to love Him the same way. And we should want to. Sometimes even if it doesn't seem to make sense.

There was a joy in that church yesterday for what had been offered to God for His purposes.

I am Judas, more often than not, in this story. But sometimes the Judas anong us have to be reminded that God will multiply what we give out of love for Him in faith, whether it be fishes and loaves, or mortar, brick, lights, and a super cool audio/video system.

So here's to the Mary's among us, who have chosen the better part.

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