Wasteful Worship
Her heart was pounding so loudly in her chest, she was sure those walking beside her could hear it. Self-consciously she looked around, clutching the bag she had, closer to her side. Her mind raced as fast as her movements through the streets.
She didn’t want to miss him. She needed him to still be there. A renewed sense of zeal rose up within and a force outside of herself, pushed her ever forward. Finally she caught sight of Simon’s house a few yards ahead.
“This is it”, she thought to herself, desperately hanging on to the thin threads of her courage. How could she not honor this man, who had changed her entire world. He deserved her everything.
She quietly slipped through the front door, the sound of men’s voices bringing a sense of relief. Peaking around the doorframe, she saw Jesus, smiling as he conversed with his disciples. She could only see five of his followers from her vantage point, but knew the rest were present. They did not get too far from their Rabbi, not that she blamed them. He was extraordinary.
Just then, Jesus spoke, and the sound of his voice confirmed what her next actions would be. She was immediately at peace just hearing his words. She walked into the room, eyes locked on his face. Once she approached close enough to touch him, she lowered her head in respect and pulled the jar from the bag she had been carrying.
Removing the cork, she began to pour the sweet, smelling perfume upon his head while blessing and thanking him. She emptied the whole bottle, an entire year’s worth of wages gone in seconds, but in her heart, she knew he was worth every drop and more. As the perfume ran down his body onto this feet, she began to weep with gratitude as she fell face down on the floor.
Unwrapping her hair, she carefully wiped the excess that was dripping into a puddle around his feet. Before long, it was hard to determine which was oil and which were tears, as she could not contain the emotion that flowed out of her. She was overcome with gratitude for this man, the Messiah, who had saved her.
The disciples looked around and began to murmur in indignation among themselves. One finally spoke and asked what they all were thinking. “For what purpose is all this waste?”
What an intriguing question. One that deserves to be pondered and discussed. The disciples only focused on the expensive perfume that was poured out, but this was not just some random action to flex her wealth, it was an act of worship. So, can worship be wasteful? Before you answer too quickly, let us gaze through a few different lenses and examine more closely.
The Lens of Misunderstanding
Worship will always seem wasteful, to the individual who does not understand the value of the subject, on which adoration is being bestowed. I have always found it interesting, this woman, whom we can read about in all four of the gospels, has a better grasp on the tremendous treasure that is Christ, then His own disciples.
In their defense, most of their lives they have heard about the Messiah who would come, conquer the Jewish nation’s enemies (at this time, it would have been Rome) and set them completely free. It’s hard to move way from precepts you have been taught since a small child. They understood enough to know, what Jesus was teaching was radical compared to the concepts from their youth, but still did not comprehend fully what it all meant.
There will always be others, who do not understand your worship. I am reminded of David, as he danced wildly before the Lord in radical adoration, as the Israelites brought the Ark of the Covenant back to the City of David. His wife; however, looked down from her window in disgust at his open display of affection and how he was dressed. Scripture tells us she “despised him in her heart.”
If you are familiar with this story, you might have been taught that David was naked while he danced. This is incorrect. The scripture clearly states he took off is kingly garments and put on a linen ephod, just as the priests would wear when ministering to the Lord. The ephod was worn over a linen robe, he was not naked. His wife was shocked to see a king of Israel, lower himself in such a way as to act and dress beneath his station in public.
When Michal confronts David about debasing himself with such outlandish behavior, just as a “shameless, worthless fellow”, I love his reply. “I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this.” (2 Samuel 6:14-22a)
Do not allow someone’s preconceived ideas about Christ, keep you from worshipping freely. We all travel at different paces and speeds on our faith journey. Trials, circumstances and other life happenings, place us all on the highway at different mile markers. Just as the disciples looked upon this beautiful act as something to be scolded, someone’s lack of understanding could result in the same reaction regarding your worship.
Worship anyway!
The Lens of Rebellion
We were created to worship. You cannot escape it, change it or weld it away. Within the cannon of the holy scriptures, there is story after story illustrating human affections being drawn away from Creator God.
There has always been a constant tug and pull, back and forth, when it comes to who will be seated upon the throne of your heart. Anyone or anything that is placed there, other than God Almighty, is wasted worship.
If I were writing a Psalm, this would be the place to interject a “Selah.” (Pause and think about what you just read)
There are multiple things we willing or in ignorance, replace our devotion with, that should be reserved for the Lord. Those who willing display idols upon the heart’s pedestal, are the ones who refuse to bow their knee in surrender to the invitation Christ offers for salvation. With backs turned, they decide they have no use for the ways and teachings of Jesus and are content running their lives as they see fit.
This is the equivalent of flushing diamonds down the toilet.
Our abilities, talents, creativity, wisdom and anything that makes us uniquely individual, was given to us by our Creator. We can either use these giftings to reveal and bring glory to the King of Kings, or we can use them to bring honor to ourselves. When used for the latter, your full potential will never be reached, because the object of your affection is misguided. You are wasting your worship.
Also, to be noted, are the ones who do consider themselves followers of Christ, but have areas in their lives where they either refuse to repent of sinful actions or refuse to obey parts of God’s word. They struggle with completely giving their whole life to the Lord.
Chasing after the junk of culture…. Praise tossed in the trash like moldy bread.
Seeking worldly pleasures, to satisfy fleshly desires…. Adoration soiled by the foulest, filth.
Choosing to surrender your life to Christ Jesus, pouring out all your honor and glory to Him, will be the greatest achievement of your lifetime. Serving Him is not a burden to bear, but a joy we experience. Yes, sometimes He asks things of us that are very difficult, but I contest the hardest thing imaginable from the Lord, is still easier than the simplest trial from this world.
There is just something different about allowing Him to lead you.
Inhaling and exhaling becomes smoother and less labored.
When hands go up in praise, a lot of worries fall down and roll away.
I had a dear friend declare years ago, Worship Wins Wars. You can endure much sorrow, when you have the God of the universe beside you and you focus all your attention on His face.
Can worship be wasteful? For some, the answer is yes. To those who don’t understand and those who choose not to.
For others, extravagant worship to the Savior is never a waste. It is an honor and privilege.
I personally will continue bringing Jesus glory, until I breathe my last on this globe. (Then, I’ll get to do it for all eternity) Worship has become my rock and sure foundation. It keeps me steady and it is the plumb line that allows me to Live Beautifully Simple.