Break the Flask

Take my love, my Lord, I pour

At Thy feet its treasure store;

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for Thee.

Lutheran Service Book Hymn #783

Take My Life and Let It Be

Text: Frances R. Havergal 1836-79

"And while He was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as He was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over His head." Mark 14:3

When Jesus is anointed at Bethany, He knows that His arrest, torture, and brutal death are near. Thus, Jesus is filled with overflowing joy when He sees this faithful woman totally surrendered and moved to worship. She wasn’t bound by a particular set of rules or by holding back any costly possessions from this unimaginable opportunity.

Yet there were some in that group gathered in a house at Bethany who made a fair point: the very costly ointment could have been sold and given to the poor (Mark 14:4). This wasn’t a selfish thought to cling to possessions, but rather a reasonable question about the appropriate use of funds. A similar consideration may be relevant to our current ministry expansion. Therefore, let’s reframe the suitability question. Is a commitment to very costly buildings a priceless opportunity to worship the God who poured out the life of His Son? Are we as prepared as the words encourage in our hymn — to pour out our lives for Him?

Take my hands, voice, feet, lips, and intellect; take also my moments and days, my silver and gold (LSB #783). Now is the time to break “the flask” and pour out our lives for Him. Take this to prayer and listen to your heart. Set your mind on things that are above and be ready to repeat Jesus’ answer to those who may scold: “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to Me” (Colossians 3:2, Mark 14:6).

About Mindful Monday Devotions

As we have officially launched our Tell the Wonders He Has Done ministry expansion campaign, we would like the congregation to join together by taking a moment each Monday to be centered in God's Word. This will not only be a time to consider financial commitments, but also an opportunity to stretch spiritually. Our intent is for these devotions to support that purpose. We look forward to sharing our thoughts and God's Word with you weekly.  

Giving our best to His glory,

James and Becky Blake

Campaign Prayer Coordinators