The Cost of the Oil in Your Alabaster Box

In the bustling streets of ancient Jerusalem, a woman approached Jesus carrying an alabaster box filled with expensive perfume. Her actions and the subsequent reaction of those around her are recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This narrative, often referred to as "The Anointing at Bethany," holds a phenomenal prophetic message that resonates deeply with our journeys today. The phrase, "they don't know the cost of the oil in your alabaster box," captures the essence of personal sacrifice, devotion, and the sometimes misunderstood paths we walk in our pursuit of loving YAHVAH.
 

The Biblical Story
To fully appreciate this prophetic word, let's revisit the biblical account. In Matthew 26:6-13, we read:

 "While YAHSHUA was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. 'Why this waste?' they asked. 'This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.' Aware of this, Jesus said to them, 'Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.'"

This story is also echoed in Mark 14:3-9 and Luke 7:36-50, each account highlighting different facets of the event, yet all converging on the central theme of sacrificial love and devotion.
 

The Alabaster Box and Its Significance
The alabaster box, a container made of a fine, translucent stone, was often used to store precious ointments and perfumes. The contents of such a box were costly, symbolizing something of great value and significance. In the context of our lives, the alabaster box represents the most precious and intimate parts of ourselves—our dreams, our sacrifices, our deepest expressions of love and devotion to YAHVAH.
 

The Cost of the Oil
When we talk about "the cost of the oil," we are referring to the personal sacrifices and experiences that shape our faith and our relationship with YAHVAH. Just as the woman in the story poured out her expensive perfume on Jesus, we, too, are called to pour out our lives in service and devotion to Him. This cost can be high—requiring us to give up our comfort, our ambitions, and sometimes even our relationships.

Consider King David, who understood the principle of costly worship. In 2 Samuel 24:24, David said:

 "I will not offer burnt offerings to the YAHVAH my ELOHIM that cost me nothing." 

David's statement underscores the idea that true worship and devotion involve sacrifice.

 Misunderstood Devotion
The woman's act of anointing Jesus was met with criticism and misunderstanding. The disciples, who were closest to Jesus, failed to grasp the significance of her sacrifice. This mirrors our own experiences, where our acts of devotion to YAHVAH may be misunderstood or criticized by others. Friends, family, and even fellow believers might question the decisions we make in our walk with God.

In 1 Corinthians 2:14, Paul writes:

"The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."

 This passage reminds us that spiritual truths and acts of devotion are often beyond the comprehension of those who do not share our spiritual perspective.

"They don't know the cost of the oil in your alabaster box", the unique and deeply personal nature of our walk with YAHVAH. Each person's journey is distinct, shaped by their experiences, sacrifices, and acts of devotion. It calls us to remember that our relationship with YAHVAH is precious and should not be judged by others' standards or expectations.

In Psalm 56:8, we are reminded that YAHVAH takes note of our sacrifices and struggles: 

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." 

This verse highlights the intimacy and personal nature of our relationship with YAHVAH, assuring us that He sees and values our sacrifices.

 Loving YAHVAH with All Our Hearts
At the core of this prophetic word is the call to love YAHVAH with all our hearts, souls, and minds. In Deuteronomy 6:5, we read:

 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

 This commandment is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-38 as the greatest commandment.

Loving YAHVAH with such intensity involves more than just emotional affection; it requires a holistic devotion that encompasses every aspect of our lives. It means prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else and being willing to make sacrifices that may not always make sense to others.

 Embracing Our Unique Journey
Our journey with YAHVAH is unique, and the cost of our alabaster box will differ from that of others. The sacrifices we make, the battles we fight, and the victories we achieve are all part of our individual stories. Embracing this uniqueness means recognizing that our worth is not determined by others' opinions or standards but by our faithfulness to YAHVAH.

In Jeremiah 29:11, YAHVAH reassures us of His plans for our lives:

 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

This promise encourages us to trust in YAHVAH's plan for our lives, even when the path is difficult and the cost is high.
 

The Reward of Sacrificial Love
Just as the woman's act of devotion was honored by Jesus and remembered throughout history, our sacrifices and acts of love for YAHVAH will not go unnoticed. Hebrews 6:10 assures us, "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Our faithfulness and devotion are seen and valued by YAHVAH, and He will reward us in due time.

The prophetic message in "they don't know the cost of the oil in your alabaster box" calls us to a deeper, more intimate relationship with YAHVAH. It reminds us that our sacrifices, though sometimes misunderstood, are precious to Him. As we pour out our lives in devotion and love, let us take comfort in knowing that YAHVAH sees, understands, and values the cost of our alabaster box.

In our journey of faith, may we continue to love YAHVAH with all our hearts, embracing the unique path He has set before us. Let us find strength in His promises, knowing that our sacrifices are never in vain and that our acts of love and devotion will be remembered for eternity.