Devotional Thoughts for Christians***
10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly I tell you, wherever this Gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her”—Matthew 26:10-13 (NIV).
Mary of Bethany—her act of devotion seemed extravagant to those who watched it. She broke open her alabaster jar and poured its costly perfume upon Jesus, not fully understanding that she was participating in something eternal. While others questioned her actions, Jesus saw her heart. He recognized that she had anointed Him beforehand for His burial.
As others criticized Mary, Jesus defended her and made a remarkable promise: “Wherever this Gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Matthew 26:13). More than two thousand years later, her act of love is still remembered. Jesus showed that no sacrifice made out of genuine devotion to Him is ever forgotten.
A few days later, after Jesus’ crucifixion, other faithful women arose before dawn and hurried to the tomb with spices and ointments, intending to anoint His body. Their love was sincere, but they were too late. Jesus was no longer around for them. He had risen!
Only Mary had the privilege of anointing the Lord’s body. She did not wait for a more convenient moment. She did not postpone her worship, her sacrifice, or her obedience. She gave her best while Jesus was still with her.
How often do we intend to serve God “someday”? We plan to pray more, give more, witness more, forgive more, or surrender more—but we delay. Yet opportunities to honor Christ are often time-sensitive. There are people who need encouragement today. Some souls need the Gospel today. There are acts of obedience God is calling us to perform today.
Perhaps like me, you have always wanted a closer walk, a consistent devotional with the Lord. Do it while you may. Don’t find time for it – make time for it!
Mary’s story reminds us that true devotion acts when the Spirit prompts. It does not wait until the opportunity has passed. Too often, we assume there will be another day, another chance, another season. But Mary’s story reminds us that some opportunities are gifts wrapped in the present moment. Once they pass, they do not come again.
Pause to Reflect:
Is there something the Lord has placed on my heart that I need to act upon today rather than delay until tomorrow?
What act of obedience, service, generosity, or devotion have you been postponing?
If Jesus returned today, what would you wish you had done for Him while there was still time?
Parting Thought:
The greatest regrets in God’s kingdom are often not the wrong things we did, but the right things we delayed. Like Mary, offer your best to Jesus today—before the opportunity passes and before He comes again.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for the example of Mary, whose love for Jesus moved her to act without hesitation. Forgive me for the times I have delayed obedience, postponed devotion, or assumed there would always be more time. Give me a heart that responds quickly to Your voice and willingly offers my best to You. Help me to seize every opportunity to serve, worship, and glorify Christ while it is still day. May my life be a pleasing fragrance before You, poured out in love and surrender. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Leave a Reply