Old Testament reading: Job 35-37
Elihu concludes what is the longest uninterrupted homily in the book, equaled in length only by Job’s final defense immediately preceding. Elihu’s scathing rebuke of self-righteousness ought to give us all a reason for pause and reflection, “If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from your hand?” (35:7). In other words, at my very best, even if I could achieve sinless perfection in my life, I still have nothing to offer God that He needs, nothing of any value whatsoever! I love Elihu’s opening line in chapter 36 – “Bear with me a little, and I will show you that there are yet words to speak on God’s behalf” (v 2). What a gem is this man! Indeed, there were many words left to speak on God’s behalf. The other three had been speaking for Him for quite some time, yet not one of them had spoken accurately. Thus, Elihu continued, “I will fetch my knowledge from afar; I will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you” (vv 3-4).
New Testament reading: Mark 13-14
“She has done this for my burial.” So said our Lord when the woman broke the alabaster flask to pour out its costly contents on His head. Hers was a great personal sacrifice and one that went mostly unappreciated except by the one who received it. As this unnamed saint, like the poor widow of chapter 12, was willing to give all to serve God, so must we also be so willing. Important times, tasks, and events call for great sacrifice. Husbands and wives must be willing to break the alabaster flask if they would truly serve one another in marriage as one flesh. Parents must break the alabaster box in their homes if they would raise our children in the nurture and admonition of Lord. We must break the alabaster flask when the needs of our brethren or community are great. Remember, it all belongs to the Lord. I am only a steward of that which God has entrusted me. And as a steward, I am required to be found faithful (cf 1 Cor 4:2).
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