DANCING BEFORE THE LORD - ‘Why this waste of perfume?’ If Mark’s story of Mary’s “waste” means anything at all, it suggests that our love for Jesus may express itself in ways that others find uncomfortable. A year’s wages were involved in Mary’s anointing. It was an “unwise” act that invited the disciples’ scorn. But Jesus commended her for her act of devotion - Jesus saw the love that prompted her action despite what some would consider the impractical nature of it. Different forms of worship — informal, formal, quiet, exuberant — represent a sincere outpouring of love for Jesus - He’s worthy of all worship that comes from a heart of love - Mark 13 ends with Jesus urging His disciples, and everyone, to be awake rather than asleep when He returns. Into the account of those who are conspiring to get rid of Jesus Mark inserts the story of a woman who honors His approaching death. “Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, ‘Why this waste of perfume?’” In the spirit of her affections, she was awake even if she didn’t consciously know that she was foreshadowing Jesus’ suffering. A group of religious leaders were clueless to the fact that in the secrecy of their murderous plans, they, along with Judas, were about to betray and demand the crucifixion of their long-awaited Savior. Two days before the Jewish feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread, they were sleeping in what Jesus had called the “yeast” of hypocrisy.

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Dancing Before
the 
Lord

Different forms of worship — informal, formal, quiet, exuberant — represent a sincere outpouring of love for Jesus - He’s worthy of all worship that comes from a heart of love

..

‘Why this waste of perfume?’ If Mark’s story of Mary’s “waste” means anything at all, it suggests that our love for Jesus may express itself in ways that others find uncomfortable. 

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A year’s wages were involved in Mary’s
anointing. It was an “unwise” act that invited the disciples’ scorn. But Jesus commended her for her act of devotion - Jesus saw the love that prompted her action despite what some would consider the impractical nature of it. 

By David H. Roper

“Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, ‘Why this waste of perfume?’” - Mark 14:4

   

Today's Scripture: Mark 14:1–9

Insight

Mark 13 ends with Jesus urging His disciples, and everyone, to be awake rather than asleep when He returns (verses 35–36).

Chapter 14 gives us contrasting examples of what it means to be ready.

Into the account of those who are conspiring to get rid of Jesus (Mark 14:1–2, 10–11), Mark inserts the story of a woman who honors His approaching death (verses 3–9).

In the spirit of her affections, she was awake even if she didn’t consciously know that she was foreshadowing Jesus’ suffering (verses 6–9).

A group of religious leaders, on the other hand, were clueless to the fact that in the secrecy of their murderous plans, they, along with Judas, were about to betray and demand the crucifixion of their long-awaited Savior.

Two days before the Jewish feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread, they were sleeping in what Jesus had called the “yeast” of hypocrisy (Luke 12:1).

A number of years ago, my wife and I visited a small church where during the worship service a woman began to dance in the aisle.

She was soon joined by others.

Carolyn and I looked at each other and an unspoken agreement passed between us: “Not me!”

We come from church traditions that favor a serious liturgy, and this other form of worship was well beyond our comfort zone.

But if Mark’s story of Mary’s “waste” means anything at all, it suggests that our love for Jesus may express itself in ways that others find uncomfortable (Mark 14:1–9).

A year’s wages were involved in Mary’s anointing.

It was an “unwise” act that invited the disciples’ scorn.

The word Mark uses to describe their reaction means “to snort” and suggests disdain and mockery.

Mary may have cringed, fearing Jesus’ response.

But He commended her for her act of devotion and defended her against His own disciples, for Jesus saw the love that prompted her action despite what some would consider the impractical nature of it.

He said, “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me” (verse 6).

Different forms of worship — informal, formal, quiet, exuberant — represent a sincere outpouring of love for Jesus.

He’s worthy of all worship that comes from a heart of love.

Reflect & Pray

Why do you think we’re critical of unfamiliar forms of worship?

How can we change our thoughts about a form of worship that’s outside our comfort zone?

I bow before You, Almighty God, and worship You now. You’re worthy of the highest praise and adoration.

David H. Roper was a pastor for more than 30 years and now directs Idaho Mountain Ministries, a retreat dedicated to the encouragement of pastoral couples. He enjoys fishing, hiking, and being stream-side with his wife, Carolyn. His favourite fictional character is Reepicheep, the tough little mouse that is the soul of courage in C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. His favourite biblical character is Caleb—that rugged old saint who never retired, but who "died climbing." Find books by David Roper

https://new.odb.org/devotionals/dancing-before-the-lord/

ALOE AND MYRRH WRAPPED BODY - Along with Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ body from the cross. They wrapped the body in linen stripes and 75 pounds of mixed aloe and myrrh. Jesus body was dead; therefore, aloes weren’t used to heal him. The healing aloes in Jesus’ burial cloth exemplified Jesus’ continued healing of us even after his physical death. The Jewish burial custom of using spices in burial linens was associated with covering the smell of the decaying body - because aloe had little odor, possibly the aloes were used to “fix” or hold the scent of the myrrh - Jewish law and custom required immediate burial of Jesus’ dead body. Mosaic Law required that Jews bury the body of a man put to death by hanging on a tree the same day he died. Jesus’ crucified body died about 3:00 p.m. on Friday. By Jewish custom, Friday was the Day of Preparation for the Saturday Sabbath. Preparation Day ended at about 6:00 p.m. on Friday when the Sabbath began. No work was allowed on the Sabbath to include burying a dead body. Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Along with Nicodemus, Joseph took Jesus’ body from the cross. They wrapped the body in linen stripes and 75 pounds of mixed aloe and myrrh. The Jewish burial custom of using spices in burial linens was associated with covering the smell of the decaying body. Because aloe had little odor, possibly the aloes were used to “fix” or hold the scent of the myrrh.

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Aloe and Myrrh Wrapped Body

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Along with Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ body from the cross. They wrapped the body in linen stripes and 75 pounds of mixed aloe and myrrh. Jesus body was dead; therefore, aloes weren’t used to heal him. The healing aloes in Jesus’ burial cloth exemplified Jesus’ continued healing of us even after his physical death. The Jewish burial custom of using spices in burial linens was associated with covering the smell of the decaying body - because aloe had little odor, possibly the aloes were used to “fix” or hold the scent of the myrrh

Carolyn Roth

Posted on March 25, 2016 

Today is the most solemn day in the Christian calendar. By 9:00 a.m., Christ was crucified.

Jewish law and custom required immediate burial of Jesus’ dead body.

Mosaic Law required that Jews bury the body of a man put to death by hanging on a tree the same day he died (Deuteronomy 21:22-23).

The reason for this Mosaic requirement was so that the land not be desecrated by a dead body remaining un-buried.

The book of Tobit (Apocrypha, 2009) described the value Jews placed on seeing that all slain Jews had a proper burial even when the Jews were in exile.

Jesus’ crucified body died about 3:00 p.m. on Friday.

By Jewish custom, Friday was the Day of Preparation for the Saturday Sabbath.

Preparation Day ended at about 6:00 p.m. on Friday when the Sabbath began.

No work was allowed on the Sabbath to include burying a dead body.

Jesus followers had about three hours between the time he died and the start of the Sabbath celebration.

Joseph of Arimathea was a prominent member of the Jewish council who believed that Jesus was the Messiah.

Boldly, Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.

After confirming with the centurion that Jesus was dead, Pilate released Jesus’ body to Joseph.

Along with Nicodemus, Joseph took Jesus’ body from the cross.

They wrapped the body in linen stripes and 75 pounds of mixed aloe and myrrh.

The Jewish burial custom of using spices in burial linens was associated with covering the smell of the decaying body. 

Because aloe had little odor, possibly the aloes were used to “fix” or hold the scent of the myrrh.

Aloe vera

The aloe of the New Testament is the Aloe vera also known as the Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vulgaris (common aloe) and the medicinal aloe.

Some sources identified the aloe as the oldest medicinal plant.

The aloe is distributed in Mediterranean woodlands and shrub-lands in hard rock outcrops including maritime sands.

When aloe is harvested for its medicinal gel, older leaves are harvested as they are larger and contain more gel.

Myrrh

The Israelite myrrh plant is the Commiphora abyssinic.

The Hebrew word for myrrh is môr or môwr which means bitter, possibly because myrrh has a bitter taste (Strong, 2010).

Around 1876-1880 B.C., Jacob described myrrh as one of the best products of Canaan and directed his sons to take myrrh to Egypt to trade for grain (Genesis 43:11-14).

In present day Israel, the myrrh tree grows in the Biblical Landscape Reserve (Neot Kedumim).

Although often referred to as a spice, myrrh is the dried resin from the myrrh tree.

When the resin is harvested, lateral cuts are made on the trunk or branches.

An aromatic gum resin exudes from the wounds. When the resin is exposed to the air, the gum hardens forming irregular shaped yellow or brown globules.

The globules smell pleasant but have a bitter taste.

We saw myrrh in the bazaar in the old city of Jerusalem.

The myrrh was in sharp-edged, marble-size pieces.

Myrrh continues to be used today as sweet-smelling incense for religious celebrations.

Symbolism: Healing

Traditionally, aloe has been associated with healing. 

In the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 53:5, NIV, 2002) we read these prophetic words about Christ, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Jesus body was dead; therefore, aloes weren’t used to heal him.

The healing aloes in Jesus’ burial cloth exemplified Jesus’ continued healing of us even after his physical death.

After Jesus’ resurrection some individuals in Judea and the Roman Empire accepted healing from Jesus.

Other individuals weren’t willing to be healed.

Some couldn’t comprehend that a man would die for their sins.

Others simply didn’t believe that they were all that bad; why would someone need to die for their few sins?

For still others it was easier to continue their same religious observances, e.g., make an animal sacrifice or give a little money into a treasury, than to accept a new way of thinking.

The rationale and rationalizations that individuals used 2,000 years ago for not accepting healing from Jesus are the same ones that individuals use today.

On Sunday morning in church, we pray the “Prayers of the People.”

Frequently, there are prayer requests for healing – surgery, diagnostic tests, cancer – from members of the congregation.

I’m always surprised that congregates don’t offer more prayers for loved ones’ spiritual healing.

My dear friend isn’t a Christian; I love him so much.

From time to time, I ask congregates to pray that he comes to a saving knowledge of Christ. I really should ask them to pray for him every Sunday.

I love Bible plants along with their symbolism. If you want to learn more about them, read my two books: 1) Rooted in God and 2) God as a Gardener. You can purchase them from my website: Carolyn Roth Ministry at http://www.CarolynRothMinistry.com/

As the site editor, participants should know I am a spiritual woman with a deep belief in God. Many friends would describe my Christian perspective as orthodox. I believe in the inspired, written word of God. I live in Roanoke, Virginia.  I am a Virginia Master Gardener and a Tree Steward.

This website/blog glorifies God within the context of earth as His garden, describes Bible and other growing plants, and applies them to our Christian walk in the 21st century. On Creation day 3, God created vegetation, e.g., trees, herbs, flowers. On this site, the word plant will be used to encompass all types of vegetation.  God created plants right after He created the heavens (Day 2) and before He created the sun, moon, and stars (Day 4). This creative order demonstrates that God valued and had a purpose for the varied flora in our world. Our response to this creative process should first be love for the Creator and second a reverence for this earthly garden.

https://godasagardener.com/2016/03/25/aloe-and-myrrh-wrapped-body/

FIVE POINT TULIP CALVINISM - The TULIP acronym explains the beliefs of Calvinism - The TULIP acronym arranges the five points of Calvinism logically and progressively, with each point contingent on the other. If humans are totally depraved, then they are unable to make an initial response to God. God must call people to salvation through unconditional election. God must also provide the way of salvation by the death of Jesus Christ. He makes salvation secure by the effectual call of the Holy Spirit. He keeps his saved ones secure so they will inherit the eternal life he has promised them. Calvinism is a rare theology: It can be explained simply using a five-letter acronym: TULIP. This set of religious principles is the work of John Calvin, a French church reformer who had a permanent influence on several branches of Protestantism. Like Martin Luther before him, John Calvin broke from the Roman Catholic Church and based his theology on the Bible alone, not the Bible and tradition. After Calvin's death, his followers spread those beliefs throughout Europe and the American colonies. The belief in total depravity takes the view that sinfulness pervades all areas of life and human existence. Through the Fall of Man, humanity is stained by sin in every aspect: heart, emotions, will, mind, and body. This means people cannot independently choose God. They cannot save themselves. God must intervene to save people.

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Five Point TULIP Calvinism Explained

The TULIP acronym explains the beliefs of Calvinism

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The TULIP acronym arranges the five points of Calvinism logically and progressively, with each point contingent on the other. If humans are totally depraved, then they are unable to make an initial response to God. God must call people to salvation through unconditional election. God must also provide the way of salvation by the death of Jesus Christ. He makes salvation secure by the effectual call of the Holy Spirit. He keeps his saved ones secure so they will inherit the eternal life he has promised them.

By Jack Zavada

Calvinism is a rare theology: It can be explained simply using a five-letter acronym: TULIP.

This set of religious principles is the work of John Calvin (1509-1564), a French church reformer who had a permanent influence on several branches of Protestantism.

The TULIP memory tool was solidified at the Synod of Dort (1618-1619), a gathering of Reformed theologians who met in the Netherlands to counter and condemn the teachings of Arminianism.

Like Martin Luther before him, John Calvin broke from the Roman Catholic Church and based his theology on the Bible alone, not the Bible and tradition.

After Calvin's death, his followers spread those beliefs throughout Europe and the American colonies.

TULIP Calvinism Explained

The five points of Calvinism can be remembered using the acronym TULIP:

T - Stands for Total Depravity

The belief in total depravity takes the view that sinfulness pervades all areas of life and human existence.

Through the Fall of Man, humanity is stained by sin in every aspect: heart, emotions, will, mind, and body.

This means people cannot independently choose God. They cannot save themselves. God must intervene to save people.

Calvinism insists that God must do all the work, from choosing those who will be saved to sanctifying them throughout their lives until they die and go to heaven.

Calvinists cite numerous Scripture verses supporting humanity's fallen and sinful nature, such as Mark 7:21-23, Romans 6:20, and 1 Corinthians 2:14.

U - Stands for Unconditional Election

This Calvinist view says God chooses who will be saved. Because people are dead in their sins, they are unable to initiate a response to God.

In eternity past God elected certain people to be saved. The saved people are called the Elect.

God picks them based not on their personal character or merit, but out of his kindness and sovereign will.

It also means that election for salvation is not based on God's foreknowledge of who would come to faith in the future.

Since some are chosen for salvation, others are not. Those not chosen are the damned, destined for an eternity in hell.

L - Stands for Limited Atonement

Limited atonement is the view that Jesus Christ died only for the sins of the Elect, according to John Calvin.

Support for this belief comes from verses that say Jesus died for "many," such as Matthew 20:28 and Hebrews 9:28.

This point is one of the more controversial beliefs of Calvinism.

Those who teach "Four Point Calvinism" believe Christ died not for just the Elect but for the entire world. They cite these verses, among others: John 3:16, Acts 2:21,1 Timothy 2:3-4, and 1 John 2:2.

I - Stands for Irresistible Grace

Irresistible grace is the belief that God brings his Elect to salvation through an internal call, which they are powerless to resist.

The Holy Spirit supplies grace to them until they repent and are born again.

Calvinists back this doctrine with such verses as Romans 9:16, Philippians 2:12-13, and John 6:28-29.

P - Stands for Perseverance of the Saints

Calvinism teaches that the Elect cannot lose their salvation.

Because salvation is the work of God the Father; Jesus Christ, the Savior; and the Holy Spirit, it cannot be thwarted.

None whom God has called will be lost, they are eternally secure.

Technically, however, it is God who perseveres, not the saints themselves.

Calvin's doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is in contrast to the theology of Lutheranism and the Roman Catholic Church, which hold that people can lose their salvation.

Calvinists support eternal security with verses such as John 10:27-28, Romans 8:1, 1 Corinthians 10:13, and Philippians 1:6.

The TULIP acronym arranges the five points of Calvinism logically and progressively, with each point contingent on the other.

If humans are totally depraved, then they are unable to make an initial response to God.

God must call people to salvation through unconditional election.

God must also provide the way of salvation by the death of Jesus Christ.

He makes salvation secure by the effectual call of the Holy Spirit.

He keeps his saved ones secure so they will inherit the eternal life he has promised them.

Jack Zavada

Christianity Expert

Education

M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University

B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University

Introduction

Created and manages and blogs at Inspiration-For-Singles.com

Published several books about Christian lifestyle topics

Contributes to numerous self-growth and Christian-based websites

Former newspaper reporter, technical editor, and public relations director

Experience

Jack Zavada is a Christianity writer. Jack began his 45-year career as a police and government newspaper reporter and Associated Press wire editor. He later served as a technical editor at the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL). Other positions held include being a publications editor and a communications director.

As a writer, Jack focuses his work into three genres, Christian lifestyles, self-help, and western fiction. He contributes to several Christian-focused websites including Bible-Reflections.net, SelfGrowth.com, LivingWordBaptist.net, JustMeCatholicFaith.com, and WZAKClevland.com. Jack created, manages and blogs at his website Inspiration-For-Singles.com. The site also serves as a platform for marketing his self-help eBooks. He also writes and publishes western fiction under the pen name of Calder Boone.

Education

Jack Zavada earned a Master Arts (M.A.) in English Composition and a Bachelor Science (B.S.) in English literature, both from Illinois State University.

Awards and Publications

Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges (Pine Cone Press, 1st edition, 2017)

Outsmarting Loneliness (Pine Cone Press, 2012)

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