In the Scripture we see the reference to the alabaster box being broken. Often, the precious and fragrant perfume was sealed in a flask with a long neck.
In the Scripture we see the reference to the alabaster box being broken. Often, the precious and fragrant perfume was sealed in a flask with a long neck. We read in Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, and Luke 7:36-50 of the instances when an alabaster box was broken to poor out the fragrant ointment on Jesus Christ.
When we consider the demand of the Radical Cross, I find that we must be like the alabaster box. The Cross demands total commitment. Following after our Rabbi demands complete denial of our own life and wants. It demands that we be focused on drawing close to the Master Jesus Christ through His Word and prayer. When the alabaster box was broken to release the fragrance, it required a total commitment by the box. It meant that the beautiful, costly box was no longer useful for the safe preservation of the perfume.
If we seriously want to draw so close to God that we are hanging out of His front shirt pocket we are required to let go of all of us for the sake of finding ourselves in God. Many times in the Gospels Christ, in teaching about being His disciple, laid out the very important fact – if one wanted to be His disciple, it would require everything. Complete denial of self. What a radical concept! Who do you know that wants to completely deny oneself? Not me – just being honest. I want things when I want them. But, for me to draw close to God, I have to set all of that stuff aside. All of the things which entangle me in this endeavor called life.
The radical Cross requires a radical commitment. Self denial. This is not something that we just do once, and we’re good for the rest of our lives. This is something that has to occur daily. Paul said in Galatians 2:20 that he has been “crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me . . .” Paul understood what mattered most in life. It wasn’t how many people Paul won to Christ or baptized. It wasn’t the number of miles he traveled or the amount of times he had suffered for Christ. What mattered most to Paul was that “I may gain Christ, and be found in Him not having a righteousness of my own.”
We’re a selfish lot, always wanting what we want. Life really is not about me (say this to yourself). Life is about how I glorify the One and Holy God with the living of my life. That really is the chief purpose of our existence – to glorify God. A radical concept. A radical commitment. Set yourself aside – daily. Be willing to be broken and poured out for the sake of God’s glory.
The radical Cross demands radical denial of self. Are you up for it? Give all. Hold nothing back for the sake our Christ Jesus.
