Developing Devotion

To the devoted and dedicated Mary of Bethany who would sit at my feet ready to listen and love me, I promised she had chosen what was better and that it would not be taken away from her.

You see, she knew how to receive my word and draw on me. She knew me. She demonstrated her surrender to me and my ways so much that she didn’t need to defend herself when others criticised her; she didn’t get easily distracted.

But what I want to emphasise now is the way she trusted in me, in all seasons of her life. Ask me what season are you in just now and what do you need? Mary had a season of learning, mourning, and celebrating. She knew when to receive and when to act. 

Her learning was spending time with me and because she knew me she was able to release her grief to me when her brother Lazarus died (John 11:32). She actually left her friends who had come to mourn with her to quickly find me, her ultimate comforter. Her celebration and thankfulness was demonstrated when she showed such extravagant devotion by anointing me with fragrant oil. And again because she knew me she kept on worshipping when others were criticising her (John 12:1 – 8). 

Activation: Ask Jesus to show you what He wants to emphasise today. Is it time to sit at His feet and learn (which is symbolic of a teachable spirit) and to spend time in friendship. Or is it time to trust Him on a deeper level with your emotions? Is this a time to worship and trust despite others criticism? Ask Him to help you develop devotion and dedication to Him. 

Luke 10:42 (NKJV)

But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.

John 12:7 (NKJV) 

But Jesus said let her alone; she has kept this for the day of my burial.

Psalm 27:4 (NKJV)

One thing I have desired of the Lord,

That will I seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the Lord

All the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the Lord,

And to inquire in His temple.