Devotion for Wednesday, June 10, 2026

“While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head” (Mark 14:3).

In the home of one whom He had healed, rejoicing with friends, a woman pours very, very expensive perfume over His head.  The Lord receives the gifts of those who give with a pure heart.  She may have been scarlet with sin, but in this moment, the purity of true love makes a sacrifice for the One who will sacrifice Himself for her as well as all of us.  This is true love displayed, that one would give wholly for the other.

Lord, help me to see the truth of this act.  Wickedness wants to know the history of the person but does not look at the heart.  The truth is in this moment.  Help me to see the moments as they come.  Guide me to look and see things as they are.  One I consider good may be bad and one I consider bad may be good.  Only You know.  Help me to live with my eyes wide open and learn from this example to truly love You and my neighbor.

Lord Jesus , I do not really know my own heart, let alone that of my neighbor.  Lead me to understand more each day and to receive what each moment brings.  Lead me away from the pretensions of this world and into the reality of the goodness You offer by grace to those who walk in Your light.  Convict me when I judge and encourage me when I need to move away from it.  Through all things, conform me to Your image.  Amen.