Alabaster Jar

Our friends Rob and Lina gave us the The Jesus Storybook Bible with the CD last summer. Those of you who already own it know what I'm talking about- my whole family loves it! Because I don't like listening to the radio in the car, we always have stories or music CDs handy. The Jesus Storybook Bible is one that we will always take with us, for trips long or short. The author, Sally Lloyd-Jones, has the gift of getting right to the heart of the story and weaving it in a way that is a delight to read or listen to. And at the end of each story, she links it to Jesus, fitting each short 'chapter' into the overarching theme of God's love and redemption through His Son. I have to say, every time I listen to it, I myself gain a golden nugget of new truth. If you are interested in purchasing a copy for yourself, I do highly recommend it. It is published by Sondervan, and you can buy the illustrated book by itself, or the deluxe edition with CD, which is read by David Suchet (famous British actor and voice of Aslan on 'Focus on the Family's Radio Theater' version of The Chronicles of Narnia).

There was a reason why I'm mentioning this book... what was it again? Oh yes!

One day, we were listening to the story of Mary washing Jesus's feet with perfume. As David Suchet described how perfume from an alabaster jar could be poured out only by breaking the expensive jar itself, I was reminded of a song I had written more than ten years ago. It is a song that I don't perform anymore, but it is still very much the theme of my life. Hearing the story was a wonderful reminder of that song and how I need to live. I am like the jar, that the beautiful fragrant things in me can be shared only if I am broken. And once the jar is broken, the perfume just pours out- Mary was not stingy. It was all or nothing. And likewise, I cannot be stingy with God's love, gracy, mercy, and hope. What a beautiful picture.

Alabaster Jar

Beautifully white

Of finest craftsmanship

No doubt you're the creator

Put on display

What valued treasure's inside

That no one should see it

O Lord, I am useless on this shelf

Hiding your glory from sight

Break me open, pour me out

Your sweet fragrance spread around

As Mary worshipped

Kissing your feet

I want to be the jar in her hands

Fragile when whole

But whole when in pieces

You are the maker

Please do as you will

Break me open, pour me out

Your sweet fragrance, joyful sound

Fills the air and the skies

Pure incense to God most high

What cost is it to me

To let go and fall at your feet

Break me open, pour me out

Your sweet fragrance spread around

Break me open, pour me out

Your sweet fragrance, joyful sound

Fills the air and the skies

Pure incense to you most high