Day 20: Fragrant Offering
As we draw near to the end of our 21 days, we'll focus today on an act of devotion and adoration. We know of God in a blazing but not consumed bush, who asked of Moses, “Do not come any closer....Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” We know of Jesus washing the disciple's worn, dusty feet and that Peter responded, “no, I will not participate in this” (because he knew it was a degrading task). But Jesus, apparently committing a faux pas in His upside-down kingdom way, responded, “If I don't wash you, you can't be part of what I'm doing”. Another symbol of shoes off, humility and surrender to washing that only Jesus can offer.
I want to focus on the account in Luke 7:36-39 of the perfume being poured on Jesus' cracked, dirty feet. At that time, perfume was so rare that everyday women never thought of buying or wearing perfume. It simply wasn't feasible. It cost way too much. So who would be willing to drop the big bucks for fragrance? Women like this one. Some theologians believe the only women who wore perfume were "the women of the streets." The fragrance was a form of advertising. Those who wore perfume were sending a bold and fragrant message - "I'm available . . . for a price." So when this woman broke open the bottle and poured out the valuable cologne, she wasn't just parting with the money she had earned. She was parting with her past, her profession and her livelihood. The perfume not only represented the work she used to do; it also represented what she could use to stir up future business. When she broke the bottle, she burned her bridges. Her act communicated more than any words as she broke the jar, poured it all out, released it and surrendered herself. ‘Jesus, here's my life. It's all yours. I'm holding nothing back.’
She would leave that space; the perfume absorbed into her hands and hair, having broken the religious rules, she walked away a richer person for her act and carrying the fragrance of her act.
I wonder if His feet carried the fragrance all the way to the cross, as the nails were hammered. Was there a fragrance?
There is a fragrance that is promised as we linger in His presence, and this same fragrance spreads as described in 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 in The Message: “'In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation–an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse. This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on?”
Reflect and Respond
Take time to reflect on a poem I wrote on the feet of the One who touched the earth with destination in mind and purpose in His heart. What resonates with you and your walk?
The Feet of Jesus
The womb of the chosen mother,
Trough hay in newborn toes,
Kicking.
Childhood Passover pilgrimage,
Into the cold waters of Jordan,
Obeying.
The pinnacle of the temple,
Temptation to step,
Overcoming.
Fragrance fills the air,
Awash with tears,
Receiving.
Storm shakes the night,
Boat rocks as water holds,
Walking.
Dove feathers fly,
As tables overturn,
Stamping.
Fastened by nails to Cedar,
Splintered agony to death,
Loving.
Resurrected beach strolls,
With grains of sand known,
Living.
Lord, we want to follow Moses’ example of humility and reverence. We want to shake off the dust and dirt and say “yes’ to the holy. We want to pour out our best, and as we surrender, we know that your presence in us promises that where we stand is sacred, holy ground, and when we move, we carry your fragrance. For your glory, amen.
Prayer Focus
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Our political leaders face difficult choices and challenges every day. The Bible encou
