Matthew 26:8

New International Version (NIV)

When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.

For Meditation

The comment cut very deep into Jake. It was his ordination day and he had invited a few friends and family for lunch at his house. Everything was going well and the atmosphere was festive, with good music fit for the occasion. Joy was in the air, so Jake decided to take a few steps on the dancing floor. It had been quite a while since his nimble feet moved to the beat of party music. Those were his “heydays”, when he was in the world; but this was a different occasion. He was dancing to the glory of God. His eyes caught a friend he hadn’t seen for a long time, and he stopped to greet him. As he turned away to continue with dancing, the caustic comment whipped his backside. “What a waste of money!This time should have been spent quietly somewhere, asking the Lord for direction in ministry”, his friend said.

1. Has somebody spoiled the party for you before? Have you ever had tasty food stuck in your throat while you were enjoying it, leaving you with a nauseous feeling?
2. Why would anyone condemn a party in celebration of such a beautiful experience? What was wrong with Jake’s way of thanking God for his call to ministry?
3. But isn’t that human nature? Don’t people always think they have better ways of spending somebody’s money? Do you see how selfishness could ruin a party?
4. But as Jesus told Judas, who took a similar swipe at Mary for anointing Him with her expensive perfume (John 12:1-8), “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me” (Matt. 26:10).
5. Wasn’t Mary expressing her appreciation to the Lord in her own way? Didn’t Jesus get it? So, what was Judas’ problem (Jn. 12:6)? Is anything done for Christ a waste?

I pray we will stop criticizing people for “dancing or laughing” a little bit, when we don’t know the gratitude which underlies their actions before God in their festive mood.  You could be ensnared by your own critical comments and deny yourself the same joy when you want to throw a ball sometime.

So: Lighten up and celebrate God’s goodness to you and don’t be caught up in this ill-perceived, “somber and joyless” notion of Christian living that people have. Rather, rejoice with those who are celebrating life for all that Jesus has done for them.

Rejoicing for what God has done for you is no crime, but praiseworthy.

Shalom