April 16 Cherish Jesus

John 12:4-8 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
 
DO you cherish Jesus? In other words, do you eagerly anticipate the time you schedule each day to be with him? When you think of his salvation, do you hold the Savior in high esteem? Are you willing to give up a preference in the world because you prefer Jesus?
    Mary cherished Jesus. She seemed to be angry with Jesus before he restored Lazarus’ life. Now she cherishes the Lord’s presence and power in her family’s life. She holds the Lord in high esteem because he has done a remarkable work in their midst. How could we not cherish such a Savior?
    But Scripture shows us how sin turns our eyes to the immediate world around us. This is what happened with Mary’s gift. People criticized her for her lavish anointing perfume on Jesus. Such a waste! Feed the poor! Yes, we can and should do these things, but Jesus’ points us back to him.
    Our daily work to live into Jesus’ commands must begin with an abiding love for Jesus. Acknowledge first in all things that his presence as the life-giving power that transforms our eternal life.
    Life on earth is temporary. The resurrected Lazarus died later. All in the house that day eventually died. We all will die. What then is important? What should we cherish? Of course, it is to the eternal Lord we give our hearts of worship. Cherishing the temporary only reduces our lives to the temporary. Honoring the eternal Lord resurrects our lives toward heaven.
    Resurrection living is recognizing temporary versus the eternal. Keeping our eyes on Jesus we will know how to cherish and to serve the Lord.  
 
Prayer: Lord God, I cherish our love, your life and your presence in my life. Lead me to the places where you want me to care for your people. Thank you. Amen.