We had sliced onions on sandwiches this evening. We didn’t eat all of them and we left them on a plate on the counter. When I returned from walking the dog tonight I opened the door and was almost overwhelmed with the power of those onions. It would be impossible for us to deny their presence. As quickly as I could I got them out of the house. We’ll let the raccoons have them.
As I threw them out I smiled as I remembered a similar story but instead with a sweet fragrance. It’s found in John 12. Mary was so overwhelmed with love for Jesus she broke open an alabaster box filled with expensive ointment so she could wash His feet. The moment she opened the box the room filled with scent and every eye fixed upon her. It was an extravagant gift. The connoisseurs in the room immediately knew the value of what she was doing. When some began to criticize her Jesus quickly rose to her defense and declared this was an act to be remembered.
It became a symbol of heaven’s gift to us. When God gave us His Son He made Himself poor for He gave us His most valued. The sacrifice of heaven for our redemption was beyond value. Jesus was the ultimate meaning of the word priceless. Angels marveled as they watched their Lord being born a human in a filthy stable. They wept as they watched the cross and begged to be able to intervene. There would be no intervention unless Jesus requested. This gift has filled the universe with the unmistakable fragrance of love. It is impossible to hide. It is a story that divided history and will someday consummate history.
Written by Roger Bothwell on March 1, 2009
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org