Our verse this week is about spending ourselves on purpose. In light of this task, we will follow in the footsteps of Mary and her story of the alabaster box which is found in all four Gospel accounts. It contains a depth and richness that summons my full attention as it teaches us what it looks like to be bent with abandon.

Although Mary’s story is one of sweet sacrifice and intense devotion, we must not ignore the controversy she amassed. Not only was she a woman who broke protocol by inserting herself into the fray of the male-dominated dinner gathering, but she proceeded to make a display of total abandon by pouring the entire contents of her very expensive perfume on Jesus. 

In that day, this kind of behavior from a woman was shunned. Her actions were thought reckless and wasteful. Ironically, in her posture of humility, she took a stand.

I want to know her. Talk to her. Ask her questions. What was she thinking? Did she calculate the cost? Or did the weight of her devotion propel her beyond consciousness? Perhaps, aware of her fears and doubts, she said, “I have to do this anyway.”

Have you ever lived like that? Loved like that? Held something so deeply in your core that it demanded to be acknowledged and bestowed, regardless of the cost?

Her story is one of abandon. Great and glorious abandon. And like so many of the accounts throughout scripture, there are parallel forces at play—one physical; the other spiritual.

Mary’s actions illustrated this clash of kingdoms. In her unrestrained compulsion to pour out her love for Jesus in a physical display of sacrifice, those in attendance also experienced a spiritual principle. One they knew well. For when the perfume was expelled from the alabaster box, the pleasing aroma not only filled the house as a physical reminder, but it displayed the spiritual practice of anointing as she anointed the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus. 

Mary’s story is an example—to bow our heads, bend our knees, and to pour out ourselves to love God and love others. This is a brave act of worship. To empty our alabaster boxes for a purpose that carries far beyond the physical realm in which we live.

Is God calling you to pour out something of yourself? If so, you might have to battle the war within. The conflict of giving all you have in utter abandon, and fearing you will be left with nothing. 

People may judge you, mock you, or worse, label you a fool. Regardless of what other people think, you have something this world needs. What you have is for a purpose, not for safe-keeping. It’s time to break open your alabaster box. 

Commit yourself to this crucible moment, and you will emerge different. In homage to Mary’s example, and like our scripture verse implores, spending ourselves is often the catalyst for the divine pendulum to swing in a different direction. One that brings light to darkness. Joy to sadness. Hope to desperation.

Hugs for a great week and remember, you are not alone. Be blessed as you discover your own bent for abandon.