Devotional 3-18-10

Lectionary Reading – John 12:1-8

I continue to be amazed at the stories in the Bible. When reading them, it is such a comfort to see how they relate to my life today. John 12 1-8 is no different.

Six days before Passover, in the town of Bethany, Jesus arrived at the home of Lazarus, to attend a banquet in his honor. This family loved Jesus, and it was their way of thanking him for bringing Lazarus back from the dead.

Martha prepared the meal. I, too, have prepared many meals for special guests. I know the pressure that Martha must have been feeling. She loved Jesus and wanted everything to be perfect. I have been ‘hostess’ Martha, many times in my life.

Lazarus, understandably, sat proudly beside Jesus, and was eternally thankful for his new life. I, too, have sat beside someone I love, and was so happy to have them with me. I have been ‘thankful’ Lazarus, many times in my life.

Mary purchased an expensive perfume to wash the feet of Jesus. I, too, have shopped and gone beyond my means for a “special gift”; to give to someone I love. I have been ‘extravagant’ Mary, many times in my life.

Judas quickly found fault with Mary’s extravagance. She should have sold the perfume and given the money to the poor. Judas, no doubt, had his own plans for the money, since he was the one who held the purse. I, too, have found myself judgmental of others actions, without taking the time to really look inward at my own motives. I have been ‘judgmental’ Judas, many times in my life.

And then, there was Jesus, with his response to Judas. Jesus makes it clear that Mary’s gift was given in love, and in preparation for his death. What a comfort for Mary, to hear the words of Jesus. Her gift was one of love, and it was received with love. And yes, I even hope I have shown the understanding that Jesus showed Mary in accepting gifts, many times in my life.

This scripture speaks to me through all the people involved, but most of all through our Savior and his gracious acceptance of Mary’s actions.

Lent is a time of preparation for receiving the greatest gift from God, the promise of eternal “Life” through his son. I don’t have to be hostess, I don’t have to purchase anything pricey, I don’t have to question the motive, and I don’t have to just sit proudly beside. Instead, I can choose to be prepared to receive the gift of “Eternal Life”; given in Love from God through his dear and loving Son, our Savior. And that is exactly, what I have chosen to do, many times in my life.

Let us all be thankful for a Loving God.

Glenna B. Allison

Devotional 3-14-09

Scripture: Geneses 9:13

As I am writing this devotional, there are so many things going through my mind: the economy of our nation, jobs lost, family and friend’s health, etc. I must question, where does my faith come into this picture?

Several years ago I was seated on a plane by a gentleman, who was eager to share the story of his faith.

He and his wife had boarded a plane the day before, on their way home from a cruise. They had not been in the air, but a few minutes, when the pilot announced that they were returning to the airport. The plane was experiencing trouble with its landing gear. One set of wheels had not retracted. However, before they would attempt landing, the fuel needed to be dumped into the ocean. This procedure would take at least an hour before they could land. In the mean time while the plane circled in a pattern, they would be preparing for an emergency landing. The man retelling the story was not naïve. He knew why they were dumping the gas. A plane full of gas was not good, if the landing gear malfunctioned, and the plane tore apart.

He told me of their shock at first, and then trying to prepare for what could be a crash landing. I’m sure the odds of survival were paramount in their minds. But, he also gave details of his wife writing a note to their children, and tucking it into her passport. She placed the passport under her blouse in hopes if the worst happened, she could be identified. They both prayed. There was much time to reflect, and in his case draw from the promises of God and his faith in those promises. In the mean time, the attendants were busy preparing the passengers.

As they were bracing for an impact, he drew his wife to the window. Perfectly placed on the horizon was the most beautiful rainbow. He told her that everything was going to be all right, because God had given his promise and they needed to have faith in that promise. The rainbow confirmed his belief.

The man closed his eyes, and held his wife close. He said, he had never felt closer to God.

It wasn’t an easy landing, but it was a safe one. The landing gear did not work, but the pilot landed the plane in a grassy area, and all aboard were okay. Naturally, there were some scratches, lost items, some broken bones, etc. The plane stayed in tact, and he was so thankful to be able to return home and tell his story to everyone who would listen. I listened and still draw from his faith, especially when things are out of my control.

I believe, I was sitting by that man for a reason. When times are tough, it reminds me that God has promised that he is always with us. We need to remind ourselves of that, and share it with others, especially during difficult times. All of us have had our share of “crashes, near misses, and rocky rides”. It’s not always a smooth landing, but our Father is there to cushion the impact. His promise and our faith will see us through.

The rainbow was a reminder to that gentleman passenger that there is a living God. He is there when things are difficult, and let’s not forget, when there are smooth landings.

Ironically, but perhaps not coincidentally, I saw the same rainbow the day before, but didn’t realize what it was saying to this total stranger. Today, I have a different feeling when I see the bow in the clouds. Indeed, my faith will always be strengthened by God’s promise.

Love and Peace,
Glenna B. Allison

Mission Prayer and Response Focus:

March 12: Reading is crucial. Please give a penny for every kid's book you have.
March 8-14: We celebrate Ebenezer Community Outreach Center in Huntington; Celes Sheffield, Executive Director.
They minister through their pre-school program, Youth Energized for Success; Family enrichment Center, Baby Bassinette, clothing closet, School supply programs, Christmas Angel program the Idus Jones Scholarship Program (awarded to a high school senior) 4-H and Girls Scouts