What gift am I willing to give Jesus? We were asked this question in church yesterday by the pastor. First we were asked what was the most extravagant gift we had ever given? I wasn't sure that I had ever given anyone an extravagant gift. I told my husband that I had given him our 4 children. Now that might not have been what he was asking exactly. But as he continued with the message, he began sharing from Matthew the story of Mary. Mary gave an amazing extravagant gift to Jesus the week before he was going to the cross. I wonder how much she thought about it before she poured this expenseive perfume on Jesus. Or if it was just an overwhelming love that she felt in that instance for Him. I put myself in Mary's place for a moment and I wonder what I would have done. Knowing my savior was going to be crucifed later in the week, I hope I would have chosen what Mary did. I know from Mary and Martha's account that Mary also chose to sit at Jesus feet. While Martha was busy serving, she wanted Jesus to reprimand Mary to help her serve the meal. But Jesus said at that moment, Martha, Martha,” “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
So what is my gift that I can give to Jesus. As I've been thinking about that thought, I realize that my gift has to be my adoration. Mary gave out of her love and adoration of Jesus. She wasn't expecting anything back. How often do I pray for something from Jesus. Most often I pray with my list of bless this, ask for that, comfort someone and I know that God cares for those prayers and requests. But I have felt a real sense that I need to begin my prayer lists with my complete adoration and love for Jesus. Leaving behind my lists of requests. I think when we pray differently, He listens. When we give ourself to the one who can change lives, He does just that.
