Daily Devotional: Friday, Feb 12

Speaker: Ben Sigman

Theme: Patience & Kindness

Weekend Music links on iTunes: Salvation is Here by Hillsong United; Let the Praises Ring by Lincoln Brewster; Your Name by Paul Baloche; Let Us Adore by Hillsong.

Read: Matthew 26:6-13; John 12:3; Matthew 25: 34-40

Think: It's fascinating to me the people that God holds out as examples for us in the Bible. The woman we read about in today's Scripture passage was singled out by Jesus to be remembered wherever the Good News of the Gospel is preached. That‘s quite an endorsement don‘t you think?

According to John 12:3 her name was Mary and she had scandalized some of those dining with Jesus one night shortly before His crucifixion. She showed up at dinner and in extravagant devotion and kindness she anointed Him with perfume. Not just any perfume - but pure nard worth more than an entire year's salary! Jesus' dinner mates were indignant asking "Why such a waste?" (Matthew 26:8-9). But even their reprimand and criticism didn't stop Mary from showing Jesus her love and care.

Imagine the scene... Can't you picture how pleasing the experience had to be for Jesus. I'm sure the aroma was soothing and Mary's tender touch restorative after long hours of teaching and ministering to the throngs of people who constantly followed Him. I almost can see the slow smile of delight crossing the face of the Lord at her kindness and devotion... Wouldn't it be great to be able to do the same for Him?

This side of heaven we won't have the opportunity to do an act of kindness for the Lord directly. BUT I do believe when we do so for others Jesus takes the same amount of pleasure - just as if it were for Him. In fact Matthew 25:40 teaches us: "'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me.'" So know that each time you reach out in love, in kindness, to help or to care you do it for Jesus! Imagine the smile it brings to the One who holds you dear...

Do: Is there someone who comes to mind who would be honored and encouraged by a kind word or gesture? Then go for it and know that the Lord is blessed too when you act in kindness.

Pray: Father - let the kindness I extend be a testimony to You and what you have done in my heart and my life. As I make these small gestures to the people you have put in my life, I want to bless you as I do so. Lead me to someone who could use a touch of kindness today. Amen.

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

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