What Does Worship Look Like?Sample

Open Hands, Not Clenched Fists 

What did Mary have in her hands as she drew near to Jesus? She carried a long-necked bottle made of alabaster, a translucent stone. Inside was an amber-colored ointment perfumed with nard, which was derived from a flowering plant native to the Himalayan regions of India. It was often used in ancient Israel to anoint a body in preparation for burial. 

What caravan brought this substance from India? How had Mary come into possession of it? That information was not recorded in scripture but this oily substance was described as being very expensive. In the book of John, it is written that the ointment was worth 300 denarii, a year's wages for a common laborer. In today's economy that would calculate to over $19,000. 

Mary could have saved such a precious item to cover unforeseen expenses in her future. It could be looked at as her emergency savings account. But instead, she gave it to God. When she broke the bottle, there was no going back. She was no longer in control of the oil or any use she might make of it. In doing so she trusted her future to God. 

How easily we think that we can control our lives and what might happen in the days ahead! May we develop hearts that release control of our lives to our sovereign, trustworthy God so that we can worship Him as He deserves. 

Connect to Garden City , Proskuneo  Ministries, and Make Jesus Culture, to learn to bring  worship into all of life.