Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Today’s Scripture
Today’s Author
Keith Thompson
In today’s reading, we arrive at the question: How do we best serve Jesus in our lives? Is it by anointing Jesus with expensive oil, or by selling that oil to give money to the poor? Is it in how we worship or in where we give our time and money? As is pretty typical when dealing with complex questions, the answer is not clearly provided. What we do hear from Jesus is that we should not admonish the one anointing him; she has performed a good service for him. Seeing someone do good should not lead us to anger. To top it off, they are in the home of Simon the leper. Just by the setting of the story, we are shown a way to proclaim good news: by being present and eating with the members of society that are pushed to the margins.
This story breaks up that of the chief priests and elders plotting Jesus’s arrest and death. Jesus knows this is coming, and still he is focused on teaching his disciples what it means to honor him and how they should live. Jesus is preparing to experience the worst of what humanity has to offer in his arrest and crucifixion, and still he remains with his people. Whether we know what is coming down the road or not, Jesus does not leave our side. God is with us, so how can we thank and honor God in all that we do?
Summer Devotional
God Goes With Us
This summer’s devotional is a walk through the Bible. Join our pastors and staff for daily reflections on scripture passages from Genesis to Revelation. In the beginning, God said, “I will be your God and you will be my people.” Come and see how this covenant promise changes through time yet remains steadfast from generation to generation.
Each Sunday, Chris Holmes will share a short message on the texts for the week, and written reflections will go out every Monday through Thursday morning.
We wish you blessings and deeper faith this summer!
