Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Smell (the sense of smell) (07/29/10)
-
TITLE: The Alabaster Box | Previous Challenge Entry
By Maria Egilsson
08/03/10 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
This son of a carpenter spoke of a kingdom; one that is and is yet to come. He asked if we understood all the things that He had spoken about. I was silent when the many answered "yes, Lord." His words I struggle to understand. Their concepts shimmer with truth beyond my human comprehension. But I find myself longing to be where He is. I will follow this man, the one they call, Jesus.
*******************************
This man called Jesus is turning things upside down. My world is shaken. At times I don't know what to believe. Jesus challenges these men who have had rule over us for years. I hear the truth that He speaks even though I don't understand the words.
I watch as the Pharisees tug their robes as if shaking off His words and they turn to leave. Jesus begins to weep as He laments over Jerusalem because they are forsaking the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Tears flow from my eyes. I know what it is like to be forsaken. I find my gaze is drawn to His. I gasp, He sees me. Somehow I hear His voice saying that He will never leave me. Who is this One who has come?
*******************************
It has been a long walk from Jerusalem to Bethany but now I stand in the shadow of Simon the leper's house. My heart beats wildly as I clutch the alabaster box close to me. The men are gathered inside the home with Jesus.
I push through the crowd that clusters around the door. No-one attempts to stop me as I make my way towards the One who has captured my love.
Jesus is at the table and with a soft smile He encourages me to come closer. Everything and everyone fades into the background and I am only aware of the One they call the Christ.
Raising my hands I break the box and pour out the spikenard over His head. I watch as it drips down his face and onto his beard. Shards of the broken box fall unnoticed as they cover my feet.
The men begin to argue over what I have done and what they perceive as a waste of such costly perfume. Jesus quiets them with His words.
I have emptied out all that I have before Him. He is so worthy of the little that I can give. He has given me so much more.
Alabaster lays broken and cracked like the shell of my soul as the sweet-smelling sacrifice is released forever. The fragrance fills the room and for a brief moment the world is still.
*******************************
I follow the crowd once again. This time it is not to hear Him. He is condemned to die; an innocent man who has done no wrong. The sky grows eerily dark and strange things are seen upon this land.
My heart is sore and yet hope rises within me. I don't understand yet I know that there is more. This is the beginning of something that will change men forever.
*******************************
At the dawn of the first day of the week I find myself drawn to the tomb. The ground begins to heave as an angel appears out of heaven to roll back the stone.
The angel beckons me to come closer to the door of the tomb. He is not there. The crucified One has risen from the grave.
*******************************
My heart begins to understand as the sweet smell of spikenard drifts out from the empty tomb. It is in His offering, His brokenness that healing and wholeness come to all who seek Him.
Light from the Kingdom of Heaven floods my soul as my lips begin to praise the One who has come in the name of the Lord.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Thumbs up for sure! Thank you for such a nice read. :)
Best wishes for continued success as you move onward and upward! God Bless.
I look forward to more of your work.
Mona