Praise Focus-Extravagant Love

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from John 12:3.

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

One of the disciples, namely Judas, thought that this perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. Sometimes, our lavish expressions of love for God will draw criticism. Jesus is worthy of our best, and He knows the motives of our heart. In this case, Jesus knew that Mary intended to save this perfume for the day of His burial. And He commended Mary for her actions.

The truth is that we could never outgive God, because His love is more valuable and extravagant than anything we could ever offer Him. First John 3:1 says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

The extravagant love of God for us is a reason to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com