Devotion to Jesus
John 12:2-3, “So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
Vance Havner is one of my favorite authors. He was a professor to the late great evangelist Billy Graham. Havner stated, “There are not many advanced students in the school of Christ because there are too many dropouts.” The call of scripture is for true devotion. In John 12:1-11, we find a beautiful story that clearly presents a picture of true devotion to Christ. Perhaps, you have wandered away from Christ or are on the verge dropping out forsaking the race and resigning to the role of spectator. If so, may I present to you the goodness of Christ centered devotion.
In John 12 we see Martha, Lazarus, and Mary exemplifying a unique quality of devotion. Martha’s devotion was defined by service. While Jesus reclined at the table Martha served Him supper. Lazarus had a devotion defined by close fellowship and communion. While Jesus reclined at the table we find Lazarus there with Him. Charles Spurgeon noted regarding this occasion, “For the risen one to be absent when the Lord who gave him life was at his house, would have been ungrateful indeed.” Mary’s devotion was defined by love. Mary took pure nard worth a years wage and anointed our Savior's feet wiping it with her hair. Mary’s devotion spared no expense.
This trio of siblings was devoted to Christ in their own unique way. They were devoted to Christ no matter what anyone else thought. The watching world was trying to hunt Jesus down in order to kill Him while they were serving and spending time with Him.
Why not be devoted to Christ? Is there something more appealing? Is there someone more deserving of your time than the Lord Jesus? Are you so busy that you cannot spare a few moments and use them to spend time in the presence of the One who died to save you?
Let me encourage you, look to Jesus once again with fresh eyes and an open heart. He is indeed wonderful in every way. Jesus the beautiful savior of the world who takes away our sin and shame. Jesus the one who came to us and healed our broken hearts. Jesus the one who heals the wounds caused by our own sin. Jesus the author of grace. How shall we fail to be devoted to the Lord Jesus?
Let me encourage you to simplify and prioritize life to rediscover the joy in spending time with Jesus in true devotion.