Worthy Brief - 11/19/2018
Friend, be broken and be filled with His anointing!
Mark 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
This touching story of how Yeshua (Jesus) was anointed before His crucifixion carries a beautiful illustration that has ministered to me time and again. I have wondered why the alabaster box needed to be broken when Mary could have simply opened it and poured out the nard; (extremely expensive and precious perfume which might have been Mary's dowry). One commentator said that she refused to use that box for any other purpose after anointing Him. That would make sense if it was Mary's dowry because it would be an expression of a bridal vow to Yeshua and no one else. But whatever the motive in her heart, Mary's example speaks powerfully of the total devotion and commitment her soul had for Yeshua, her will to give the best of everything she had; and it speaks of brokenness followed by anointing and its beautiful fragrance. So I believe this act is an illustration meant to encourage every devoted soul whose offering of herself brings circumstances which "break" her. The fragrance of perfume following the breaking "fills the room".
Broken people "smell" different. Their humility and love are an ambiance that is unmistakable. Being broken before the Lord affects everyone around...as the Apostle Paul said, "... we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;" [2 Corinthians 2:15]. And Paul was a broken man.
We should never be ashamed to be broken, even if we are criticized by those around us, as Mary was. The Lord's commendation of her has traveled around the world for 2,000 years and inspired millions of believers in circumstances which break them. God will not deny a broken heart and a contrite spirit. When we offer ourselves and our most precious things, whether they be material, personal, dreams, longings, loved ones, or our very destinies, on the altar of sacrifice, it is then that God’s anointing will be greatest upon us. It will pour out of us like the ointment from that broken alabaster box -- and His pleasure in us will "fill the room".
Friend, know that when you offer your best to the Lord your hard beautiful stone box will be broken, and after that, the fragrance of your life will be beautiful wherever you go.
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Baltimore, MD
Editor's Note: We have our prelimary schedule online. Be sure to visit us when we tour the States!
We have a few more dates to fill for our winter tour to the States. If you would like to us minister at your congregation, home fellowship, or host a Israel focused event, be sure to let us know ASAP. You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information.
Pacific summit ends with no communique as China, US differ
An acrimonious meeting of world leaders in Papua New Guinea failed to agree Sunday on a final communique, highlighting widening divisions between global powers China and the U.S.
Getting rid of me risks delaying Brexit - May
British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday toppling her would risk delaying Brexit and she would not let talk of a leadership challenge distract her from a critical week of negotiations with Brussels.
'Entire world is worried' after rancorous Asia-Pacific trade summit
World leaders meeting for Asia-Pacific trade talks in Papua New Guinea wrapped up a divisive, two-day summit Sunday after failing to agree on a group statement amid a widening rift in U.S.-China relations.
US Envoy Hopes for Peace Deal With Taliban in 2019
The US special envoy to Afghanistan hopes to cement a peace deal with Taliban insurgents by April 2019, local media reported on Sunday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump to discuss launch of Mideast peace plan with advisers this week
US President Donald Trump will meet with top advisers this week to review his administration’s Israeli-Palestinian peace plan and discuss the timing for its release, according to a television report on Sunday.
Netanyahu said worried Trump peace plan could hurt Likud in elections
With the Trump administration’s plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace expected to be rolled out in the coming months, there is growing concern in the Prime Minister’s Office that its release could hurt the ruling Likud party’s electoral prospects in the upcoming national elections, Israeli TV reported Saturday.
Hamas: Exposed IDF force tried to plant listening devices in Gaza
Hamas claimed on Sunday that the botched covert IDF mission in Gaza a week ago, during which Lt. Col. M. was killed, was to plant listening devices in the strip.
Inside the United States
Grim search for 1,276 missing after deadliest California wildfire
Authorities on Sunday sifted through the charred wreckage of California’s deadliest ever wildfire, searching for any signs of the 1,276 people now listed as missing after the Camp Fire tore through the mountain town of Paradise.
Rick Scott says Bill Nelson has 'graciously conceded'
Florida’s Republican Gov. Rick Scott says incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson called him to concede defeat in their extremely tight race.
Republican DeSantis secures Florida governor's seat after rival Gillum concedes
Democrat Andrew Gillum, who had sought to become Florida’s first black governor, conceded on Saturday, after a recount showed he had no way of catching his Republican rival Ron DeSantis, an ally of President Donald Trump.
Patriot Prayer rally in Portland, Ore., leads to 6 arrests as groups clash
Dueling rallies in Portland, Ore., ended with members of the Patriot Prayer group and counter-demonstrators clashing on Saturday, resulting in six arrests.
Christian News
Refugee Status for Burma's Chin Christians Due To Be Revoked By U.N.
A new decision by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will prevent Christian refugees from Burma's Chin State from extending their refugee status beyond December 31st, 2019.
Evangelical Christians May Have Dodged a Serious Threat in Bulgaria
After listening to objections about a controversial bill aimed at shutting down evangelical churches and other minority faiths, the Bulgarian Parliament has decided to revise it, thus delaying any vote on the legislation.