Extravagant Devotion

Mark 14:3-9 tells a story of woman who took a bottle of perfume, worth over a year's wages, and selflessly poured it onto Jesus. In that single act of devotion Jesus acknowledged her and states that "wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." It is this extravagant act of devotion that moved Jesus so much that he went out of his way to make sure she is forever remembered in his gospel. It is also the only time in the bible where Jesus does this, but what exactly does it mean to have extravagant devotion?

1. Confronts lukewarm devotion - Verse 5 mentions how those present "rebuked her harshly" for wasting such expensive perfume. There will always be people who will criticize others for their acts devotion. What makes it even harder is the fact that often times it will be those people who believe who will criticize you the most. Love seems a waste to those who don't.
2. Costs what you cherish the most - Often times God will call to you to sacrifice that which you cherish the most. It can be your career, family, money, your abilities, etc. However, as hard it is to let go, God will never take without a reason. Always remember that whatever God takes from you, he will return it to you a thousand fold better. He will take a facet of your life and purify it. Do you have to faith to let go?
3. Conforms to the heart of Christ - In the last part of verse 3, it mentions that "she broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head." She could have easily have just opened the jar and poured the perfume out. After all this was no ordinary jar, this was a marble alabaster jar which, in itself, is worth a lot. Yet she held nothing back and gave everything without expecting anything in return. Do you give waiting for Jesus' return or for his return?
4. Counters self corruption - If you try to satisfy yourself with God's blessing, then it will ultimately corrupt you. God's grace is something which is given to you as an award. If your don't pour it back and try to hoard it for yourself, then in the end it will only make you bitter and selfish.

Extravagant devotion is not something that comes easy. By definition alone it means to go beyond. Will you live your life as a nominal Christian? Or will you actions move the heart of God?

--from Nakwon EM September 9th 2007 Sunday Worship Service
*To listen to this sermon in its entirety, please contact James Kim

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