Saturday Reading: Matthew 26:6-13
Key Verse: Matthew 26:7
7 a woman came to Him, having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on His head as He reclined.
Devotion:
Can you remember a time when you gave an extravagant gift to someone? How good did it make you feel to be able to give such a gift? Has there ever been a time when someone gave you an extravagant gift and how did that make you feel. When gifts are given both the people giving the gift and the people accepting the gift know how good it is to exchange gifts. It does not have to be two way because it will often be that the person giving is the one that can afford it and the person accepting is the one that needs it.
How do we decide who is going to get a gift from us? Do we wait to see who is going to give a gift to us before we give one back to them; if we do that we could be waiting a long time before we get round to giving gifts to others! Do we wait to see who is worthy in our eyes of receiving a gift before we give them; we could be waiting a long time as we see others sin in the same way as we do. Or do we give gifts to those that we love in the hopes that they will love us more?
One thing that Christ reminds us of is that He knows what is in our hearts and if we start giving gifts because we have to or because it looks good to do so then we are the ones who are deceiving ourselves before Him. We may be able to deceive others for a short time too but the truth will always find its way out. The only way we should be giving to others is through love, be it brotherly love between Christians or love for a partner. Gifts should be given because we want to give them and not for any other reason. Gifts should be one way in that we should never expect anything back from a gift given with an open heart. Christ has given us the most amazing gift and He is not expecting anything back. For those of us who are willing to respond in our own way because we want to love Him back, He has already made a special place for us in heaven with Him. Christ wants us to remember His gift!
Points to Ponder:
DO you like giving gifts?
What are you willing to give to Christ?
