my alabaster flask

"the penalty kick is the hardest kick for a goal keeper to block because the kicker gets to kick at such a close range at a pretty big goal.  also, the rules state that the goal keeper is not allowed to leave the goal line until the ball is kicked, which means that before the ball is kicked, he has to commit to a direction in which he's going to block that ball. he can't wait to see where the ball is going and then choose a side because if he does, it's too late - the ball is in the goal. the thing about committing is that when you throw your body in one direction, you're totally vulnerable on the other. but that's what committing requires.

similarly, in relationship with others, if you really want to get to know someone, you gotta open up and reveal yourself - open you heart and show them what's inside. maybe show some bad things and some good things. without being vulnerable, it's shallow. no true relationship exists without commitment, and no commitment is without vulnerability. 

in this way, the woman with the alabaster jar is willing to sacrifice everything to follow Jesus. she broke the flask, which is the thing that gives her power, desirability, her livelihood. this is what she trusts in, like a surgeon and his hands. when she breaks it, she is saying i don't know how i'm going to live but i have a better use for this flask. she is committing, hence not knowing where her next meal will come from and there's is no turning back. she is saying, i don't know what tomorrow is going to bring, but Jesus, i'm just going to make you the master of everything in my life - master of my job, my relationships, my sexuality, everything, you're the master! you're all that i want, and i'm showing that by pouring it all out at your feet."

Pastor Dong Kyu says we all have that alabaster jar around our necks, which says, because of this thing, i know where my meal is coming from, because of this thing, i know people like me and want me, i know i'm attractive, i'm worthy. take this away from me and i'm nothing... we're all going to pour it out on someone's feet. but whose feet will you pour it on? who is going to have ownership of your heart? who is going to be your master? and are they going to satisfy you like Jesus can?

Lord, YOU are my master. You're in control. i want to take the flask that i carry around my neck, the thing that i'm protecting, and break it at Jesus' feet - let go of this and be dependent on Jesus... not always trying to transform the world, but being reminded of how God transforms my heart and just let it work in me.

from Pastor Dong Kyu's sermon What Makes a Person Committed to Jesus (Luke 7:36-48)