As we continue to follow Yeshua’s journey in John 12:1-19, we come to an intimate moment. Out of her deepest gratitude, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, takes costly perfume, gets on the floor, and anoints Yeshua’s feet by wiping it with her hair. Her gratitude to Yeshua for bringing her brother back to life is overflowing. She bares herself by letting down her hair and humbles herself before Yeshua by placing herself in a position of servitude at his feet.
Literally, the fragrance of her gratitude filled the entire house – as an offering to Yeshua – just as his coming death would also be a fragrant offering. “And walk in love, as Messiah loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:2
Are we ever that thankful to G-d for what he has done for us? Do we bow at his feet in deep humility and submission, pouring out ourselves in worship and gratitude for what he has done for us? If the only thing G-d had done for us was sacrifice his son to redeem our lives – dayenu! That alone is worthy of endless thanks and praise, but he doesn’t stop there. He continually intervenes on our behalf, and what is our response? A quick prayer of thanks? A casual thought? Is our gratitude in line with all he has done for us?
Take some time today to write out a list of what G-d has done for you. Spend some time in prayer, thanking him for each thing. Bring your humble offering of thanksgiving to him that it’s fragrance would rise to the holy place and be received as your offering to him.
Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice! – Psalm 141:2
Neshama Women 