Chapter 19...

What's good, Blogland??? So, I have to admit, I spent the entire holiday weekend in bed, watching television or sleeping (well, I did do a little straightening up Saturday morning, also a 30-45 minute Walmart run on Saturday and church/errands on Sunday for about 4 hours total).  One reason is that I was binge-watching the entire first season of Greenleaf (total sidenote, if you haven't watched it, go do it NOW!!! It is an excellent show (and this is coming from someone who doesn't watch a whole lot of television these days)).  Another reason is that I was having a little bit of a pity party... but, today dictated that I get up and deal with the outside world.  They happen, don't be alarmed, sometimes we all have a "woe is me" moment; the thing is to not let it drag on too long and get yourself up!

So anyhoo, I'm going to make this post as brief as I can (but no promises!).  I'm sure you think that the title is odd, but I promise you won't when I finish.  Ready?  Great, let's dig in.

So for the month of August, my church, Victory Apostolic, celebrated its 20th anniversary. Every year in August in lieu of weekly bible class, the church has revival with visiting ministers coming in.  This year was no different.  So I must confess - I have NEVER attended any of the revival nights until last week (August 30th) and that was mainly because I was guilted into going (transparent city over here).  It doesn't really matter why I made it, but by the time I get to the end of this, you will be glad that I did (as was I)...

So our guest speaker for the evening was Pastor E. Dewey Smith from Atlanta.  I had never heard him speak before, but let me tell you - he's a dynamic speaker!  If I'm ever in his area, I will most definitely attend his church.  But I digress.  The theme for this year's anniversary was "Extolling our Past, Embracing our Present and Envisioning our Future."  The scripture was John 12:3:   

Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

For those of you unfamiliar with the passage, it takes place approximately 6 days before Passover; they were in Bethany (a few miles from Jerusalem).  Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived there; it was one of Jesus' favorite resting spots.  The Bible indicates that Jesus loved them (Chapter 11).  Pastor Smith used as his topic, "Let your hair down," which he explained was a secular phrase meaning to relax.  However, in this sense, Mary, in a moment of celebration, she affirmed the deity of Jesus and literally "let her hair down."  How did she do this?  

1) She anointed him with perfume (costly perfume)

• it cost a year's salary in those days
• she poured it onto Jesus' feet in celebration of who He is
• nard was never diluted, always used in its purest form
• Sidenote:  always give God your best 

2) She was aware of His person

• why we do and for whom we do it is the definition of ministry 
• See 1st Corinthians:  1-14 letter to the reader; 15 resurrection; 16 resources 
• stewardship is your eulogy; it expresses your heart toward the one who died for you
• those who don't know God don't bring their best

3) She was actively giving praise

• back then, women's hair was their "glory"
• Mary put her "glory" at the feet of Jesus
• she gave Him praise for what he had already done:  in John, Chapter 11, Jesus resurrected Lazarus

(I'm sure by now, you are probably wondering where this odd title comes in, just sit tight, I promise, it's relevant!)

4) She was also giving Him praise for what he was going to do

• nard was also used as an embalming fluid
• Jesus' death is recorded in John, Chapter 19

Now, putting it all together, what can we learn from Mary's letting her hair down?  I'm glad you asked!  It's really quite simple and it boils down to this:  Give God your best praise now in spite of the Hell you've been through, in anticipation of your Chapter 19 (the manifestation of God's blessings in your life)!  One more 'gain for those slow to catch it:

• Your Chapter 11 is when you called on God and it seems like He's not hearing you or showing up late (it's in your Bible, go read it!);
• Your Chapter 12 is when you give God your best praise now, in spite of; 
• Your Chapter 19 is the manifestation!

Got it?  Good - I'm praising God for my Chapter 19 and yours too!

Did this help somebody today?  I hope so!  You know the drill, Holla @ Darvi and let me know!  Be Blessed!!!