Strangely Dim

Six days before the Passover, Jesus, therefore, came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary, therefore, took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.  John 12:1-3 (ESV)
After extreme chaos and disappointment, things seemed back to normal. Lazarus was eating like he usually ate. Food was cooked, served, and the conversation was happing. Yet, there was a strangeness in the room, an awareness that Lazarus represented something larger than life. Lazarus was now a symbol of who Jesus was, and those who were trying to carry on their lives as usual after seeing His power demonstrated through Lazarus could not do so.
Mary understood the significance of the moment, and that from that point on, all who witnessed that miracle could not and should never be the same.
Mary took something of great value that she valued and gave it to Jesus. It was the right thing to do.
When we turn our eyes upon Jesus, the things of this world grow strangely dim. When we focus on the things of this world, Jesus' mercy, grace, and love grow strangely dim. For now, the choice is mine.


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