Extravagant Devotion Series ~ (Part 4) Breaking the Flask of Oil

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Scripture reference John 12:1-8; Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9
Continuing our Extravagant Devotion Series. “Extravagant” means "exceeding the limit of reason or necessity, lacking in moderation, balance and restraint, extremely or excessively elaborate and spending much more than necessary". We have been looking into how Mary displayed extravagant devotion to Christ. Previously we saw how it opens the door to the prophetic, the cost and a servant's heart.  Next we will look into the act of breaking the flask of oil. 

Matthew 26:6-13 & Mark 14:3-9

John doesn't mention breaking the flask, but Matthew and Mark do. Many flasks only contained about one ounce. This was twelve ounces. The flask was usually made from alabaster which was translucent and were easily broken.

Webster defines "translucent" as: "1) permitting the passage of light; 2) free from disguise or falseness".  2 Corinthians 4:7 tells us "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." Put this together with Phil. 1:10b- "that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ."

The word "sincere" means "pure- tested by sunlight; found pure when unfolded and examined by the sun's light". (Strong's Concordance).  Back in the day of Oriental bazaars where pottery was displayed in a very dimly lit room. this way the buyer could not see the cracks and flaws in the pottery. But a knowledgeable buyer  would hold up the pottery to the sun and thereby judge its quality by the sunlight. It means transparent honesty, genuine purity. It describes a person who is not afraid to have his motives and intentions examined, because he has nothing to hide. 1 Chronicles 28:9b- "for the Lord searches all hearts an understands all the intent of the thoughts..."

Our flask, our vessel- must be translucent and transparent with no ulterior motives. Our motives must be pure and sincere-directed only to worshiping the Lord. We must be willing to be thoroughly examined by the Lord. A heart full of extravagant devotion will one who allows themselves to be broken and spilled out by and before the Lord.


Psalm 51:17 "My (only) sacrifice (acceptable) to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart (broken with sorrow for sin, thoroughly penitent) such, O God, You will not despise." (Amplified Bible)


A Warning
Many things and people will try to break you. Stay close to God! He is the only One that you need to break you. And it will not be breaking as the world does-it is a breaking of our wills, our dreams and aspirations. When people break us- we may not be able to recover. But when God breaks us- it is always for our good.  And as we allow ourselves to be broken by God, that beautiful oil of the Holy Spirit will flow out of us to minister to others. 2 Corinthians 2:15a- "Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation..." (The Message)

~Donna


"A disciple can be forgiven if he does not have great mental ability. He can be forgiven also if he does not display outstanding physical prowess. But no disciple can be excused if he does not have zeal. If his heart is not aflame with a red-hot passion for the Savior, he stands condemned."
~William MacDonald, "True Discipleship"~ 

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