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MARK 14:3-9
While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. 4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. 6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
REFERENCES: MARK 12:28-31, DEUTERONOMY 6:4, LEVITICUS 19:18, LUKE 10:25–37, MATTHEW 6:21, 24, 2 CORINTHIANS 4:7-10, EPHESIANS 5:2
Have you ever loved someone so much that it’s driven you to do crazy things? Maybe it’s love towards your children, a significant other or a parent, but it’s the kind of love that can’t be explained. That’s what Mary felt when she broke an entire jar of expensive perfume to anoint Jesus. When we put Mary's actions into context, we discover that her act is driven by pure love and gratitude to Jesus for the resurrection of her brother, Lazarus. We often ask ourselves what does God want from us, and when the Pharisees asked Jesus this, his answer was on the money: to love him wholeheartedly. Mary’s act of generosity is a perfect example of how to love God. It’s by giving him everything.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” —Mark 12:30
Even in the face of criticism and rebuke, Mary, with her alabaster jar, chose to step out in faith and spontaneous worship by pouring out a year's worth of salary. We, too, can live a life completely devoted to God and push past the voices that tell us we are crazy for loving and worshipping so lavishly.
The woman with the alabaster jar didn’t just pour out the perfume, it was broken out. As such, God wants our hearts to be broken before him, too. Surrender is about giving up and giving in to who God is.
Our God is one who wants to make beauty out of our mess. He is a helper, a confidant, and certainly a friend in need. When we open our hearts to him we discover that all he wants and ever wanted is for us to be one with him. Uncommon obedience, unashamed devotion, and unrelenting surrender might sound like challenges that are too big for you to take on. Well, that's the point. God wants to love you and he wants his love to flow through you to others. Simply put, God wants you and he knows you were never meant to do this alone, so will you accept him today?
How will your expression of your love for God change? The next time you spend time with God, write down a variety of ways you can love him differently. Ask him how your expression of surpassing love for him can translate here on earth through your mind, heart, and strength.
We’re in week two of Pray First and there’s still time to join! Prayer is where intimacy with God begins—it aligns our hearts with His will and unlocks Heaven’s power in our lives.
Let’s grow closer to God together. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Join us for Pray First by texting "PRAY" to 30596.
Monday - Friday
Zoom Prayer @ 6:30AM
vouschurch.com/zoom
Monday - Saturday
IG Live @ 12:00PM
Wednesday - 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Prayer Rooms - Miami Gardens
Wednesday, January 15 - Pray First Gathering
7:00PM Pre-Hang
7:30PM Service
SoMi, Miami Gardens, Design District
For all gatherings information and resources on Pray First, please click here!
We are having baptisms this Sunday, January 19th, across all of our locations, and on the beach.
To sign up for baptisms, please click here.
Heart & Soul will be taking place on Wednesday, January 22nd. This is a night for anyone who loves VOUS with worship, community, and a stakeholders message from Pastor Rich on where we're headed in 2025.
This SZN, we will be holding Heart & Soul at VOUS City!
RSVP here to let us know which location you will be joining us at. This is a night you do not want to miss!
This month's spotlight initiative is human trafficking awareness. We aim to bring light to this critical issue by partnering with organizations working to prevent trafficking and support survivors.
We will meet at our South Miami, Design District, and Miami Gardens locations on Saturday, January 25th at 10:30am to gather and serve at an outreach throughout the city.
To sign up for an outreach at one of our locations or an Off-Site outreach, please click here.
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS Design District
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10AM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack
