The way this chapter begins and ends describes the two opposite ends of the spectrum of the way Christ followers respond to Jesus. The first displays extravagant and unhindered worship lavishly poured out from a heart longing to communicate how much she valued her Lord. The last vividly shows the immobilizing grip the fear of man can have on one who just hours before had sworn his allegiance to his Lord.
Both were preceded by some intriguing circumstances. For Mary it was the vivid memory of her brothers death and the live demonstration of the one who is the resurrection and the life raising him after four days of death. For Peter it was precede by his brave and repetitive assurance to Jesus that no matter what happened he would never deny him.Both were surrounded by less than God honoring encouragement. Mary: ridiculed, laughed at, and publicly scolded. Peter: pointed out, investigated, and accused. One came with humility
and was silent in worship. The other was humbled before the Lord because of his silence. One had looked ahead and counted the cost, while the other was told the future and paid the price for not heeding the warning.
And yet as different as both these followers responded in this chapter, they merely display one awe inspiring truth:through highs and lows God's grace invades each moment and every emotion enabling his followers to ultimately bring him glory. And for these two we have only to look to resurrection morning to see this fulfilled.
So How about you?
When and where will his grace break through?
And today will you worship or deny?
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