Bible Reading: Judges 2:11–23
Memory Verse: “What this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her….” (Matthew 26:13)
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 46–48
Message
Love is never ordinary. True love always expresses itself through action, sacrifice, and devotion. In the Kingdom of God, this truth shines most brightly when we consider how believers respond to Jesus.
The word lavish carries the sense of extravagant abundance—giving without holding back, almost to the point of being called “too much.” In Matthew 26, we meet a woman who poured out a jar of very costly perfume upon Jesus. This perfume was valued at more than a year’s wages, and her act shocked those who witnessed it. Many saw it as wasteful. Yet Jesus commended her and declared that her love and devotion would never be forgotten: “Wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
1. Love That Costs Something
True love is rarely cheap. King David once said, “I will not offer to the LORD my God that which costs me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). When we love Christ, it will often require sacrifice—time, resources, reputation, or even comfort. Like the woman with the alabaster jar, our devotion is best expressed when it costs us something dear.
2. Love That Outlives You
Jesus said her act would be remembered forever. Why? Because love leaves a legacy. When you lavish your love upon Jesus—whether through worship, service, or generosity—it doesn’t fade away. It impacts lives, strengthens faith, and becomes a testimony that outlives you.
3. Love That Reflects God’s Own
John reminds us: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). Our lavish devotion to Christ is only a reflection of the extravagant love He has already poured on us. God held nothing back when He gave His Son; therefore, we should hold nothing back in loving Him.
Sadly, many people wait until it is too late. We honor the dead with expensive funerals but neglect to show kindness, love, and generosity while they are still alive. The call today is clear: love lavishly while you have the opportunity.
Controlling Thought
Express your love to Jesus and to people while they are alive—it is far more valuable than eulogies after they are gone.
Prayer
Dear Lord, help me to love You with all my heart, soul, and resources. Teach me to lavishly pour out my devotion upon You and to express love to others while they are still with me. Amen.
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