Nothing Is Wasted for Jesus

Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. —John 12:3, NKJV

There are so many things I would love to do, things I would love to learn, books I would love to read, hobbies and interests I would love to pursue, mountain trails I would still love to hike, and more places I would love to see. But there is just never enough time! There is never enough time to do all I long to do for Jesus either. I used to think I would never grow up and get old, and I would always have endless energy. But now, at forty-seven, I am realizing my years on this earth may already be half gone. I sometimes ask myself, Was it a waste that I never did this or that while I still could? Was it a waste that I never got married or got to be a mom? Was it a waste that I did not hike more mountains or go on more sightseeing adventures? Was it a waste that I did not hide myself away and write more books instead of helping others with their needs? Should I have been more protective of my life and time? Then Jesus reminds me of Mary.

Those watching Mary pour the costly spikenard on Jesus’ feet thought she was being wasteful. She spent her whole life savings on that spikenard.

The money could have been put to much better use, they said. But with Jesus, nothing spent for the kingdom and nothing spent to help others by honoring the King of kings is ever wasted. So, tears pour down my cheeks as Jesus softly whispers to my heart once again, “Melody, in love and joy, you have also poured out your spikenard, the best years of your life and youth, at My feet! Your gift has not been wasted! You could have had anyone, had any life—you could have spent all your years protecting yourself or doing whatever you wanted, but instead, you have chosen Me! Your life in ministry has not been wasted.” Friends, it is not wrong to stop and take time to smell the roses and take time for those we love.

It is not wrong to get married and raise a family—especially if we are doing so for Jesus! I wish I had gotten to experience this joy. The point is, this life is not meant to be all about us. It is about pouring our broken flask of spikenard at His feet however He calls and commissions us. We each have only one life to spend. Let it be spent for Jesus.

Let us make this life count for eternity!

Melody Mason