MAY DEVOTIONS FOR MONEY LEADERSHIP
EXPECT the UNEXPECTED … One of the ways God surprises us is by providing gifts we do not expect. Sometimes these gifts may seem extravagant and we do not feel worthy. When was a time you had this experience? In Mark 14:3-9, Jesus gives us a model for gracious behavior. He graciously accepts and receives a beautiful gift brought by a woman - a jar of very costly ointment. She breaks the jar and anoints his head generously. Yet there were those who did not think Jesus should have accepted this gift. After all, the giver was a woman - what was she doing in the midst of his group of men at dinner? Furthermore, the alabaster jar of costly nard could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. What economic sense did it make to pour this lavish gift on the head of Jesus?Unbeknownst to the men in the room, this woman was anointing Jesus for his death and burial. Jesus knew this, but said nothing. He simply received the gift gratefully and graciously. He allowed himself to enjoy these precious moments.How often are we insensitive to the genuine expressions of tender love and care offered by others? Perhaps we are in too much of a hurry. Perhaps our attention is focused on something else. Perhaps we do not feel worthy. Jesus invites us to become aware of our surroundings and our relationships—to appreciate what others desire to do for us. By learning to receive a gift gratefully and graciously, we learn to be a giver ourselves.
Prayer: O God of abundance, open my eyes to the gifts that you provide, whether large or small, extravagant or not. Give me the awareness to receive these gifts gratefully and graciously. Amen.