She Did What She Could

Sometimes we are placed in situations that allow us an opportunity to respond to the Voice within us in a way that may be regarded as odd in the eyes of our peers and onlookers alike.

Such moments are likely to soon be forgotten, except in our own hearts.

Mary has such a moment when we catch up with her in the book of Mark, as she is pouring an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume on Jesus’ head.

Imagine the scene as Jesus was in Bethany, “reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper.” (Mk. 14:3)

Mary enters the room, breaks open an alabaster jar of perfume, and without permission, pours it on the head of Jesus.  It is apparent that Mary was driven by a sense of urgency and was not looking for permission to do what she knew she needed to do.

Reflecting their humanity, some of those present began to rebuke her saying, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” (Mk. 14:4)

Jesus instantly defends Mary.  Jesus was able to see something that no one else could see.  Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.” Jesus goes on to say, “She did what she could.” (Mk.14:8NIV) The Message translation says, “She did what she could when she could.”

How many times do we find ourselves in a situation where the Holy Spirit nudges us to action?  Oftentimes the conviction is one that might make little to no sense to those around us; even to our close friends. 

A window of opportunity can be depicted in the practical day to day events of one’s life that feel anything but spiritual.  Driving a friend to chemo.  Shoveling our neighbor’s driveway.  Stopping to help when witnessing an auto accident.  Praying with a person going through a difficult time.  Real simple stuff requiring only our time and our compassion.

I have spent many years taking in the daunting needs of the world around me, witnessing  inner city needs as well as the dire needs of third world countries.  Not certain what my role was in the solution to solve the deep needs of a hurting nation; I have sat on my hands doing nothing.

However, over the last several years God has allowed me to see the needs of those within my reach.  Instead of thinking that God needs me to solve the world’s problems; He has shown me that I need only do what I can do as His Spirit prompts me to do so.

Mary knew in her heart what she needed to do; there was a sense of urgency.  Mary knew that the opportunity to respond would only present itself one time.  She had to do what she could when she could.

We may not be presented with a lot of lightening bolt opportunities requiring an obvious call to action; the opportunities may seem as small as a whisper.  Either way, I pray for each one of us planted around the world like tiny dots on a map, that we will do what we can while we can.

Stay the Course...

Sheila