What is my 'nard'?

"Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair" (John 12:3).

When I read this verse the other day in my quiet time, I thought to myself, “Lord, what is my ‘nard’? What does this have to do with my walk through this valley?” I began a quest to learn about nard…and to think more about this story! I wanted to see what He was trying to teach me.  

Nard. What does that mean? The definition is very expensive perfume imported from India. Scripture tells us it would have cost a year’s wages! But I wanted to think about what nard represented to Mary…and to me! I read this same story from other Biblical perspectives in Matthew 26, Mark 14 and Luke 14. It made me pause to think about the fact that this story was in all 4 gospels…In Matthew 26:13, Jesus even said, “The story of what she has done will be told throughout the whole world, wherever the Good News is preached.” There are so many different powerful aspects of this story…and much to be learned. But on this day, I just wanted to learn about ‘my nard’!

Pete and I have been blessed to go to the Holy Land three times. We absolutely loved it…our favorite place on earth! I could just see the scene in my mind. I could picture it against the backdrop of that special land and culture. I admire Mary’s spunk and determination!! Here she was, before mostly men in a men dominated culture, yet Mary knew in her heart this was something she wanted to do for Jesus and nothing, nothing was going to stop her. Obviously, it was a token of her love, a sign of intense devotion, a way of worshipping Him. It was extravagant…a huge sacrifice in a lot of different ways. She was not afraid to do something out of the ordinary. She was not afraid of the questions that I am sure she knew would come.

“Lord, what is my nard? What is it I can do for You that takes sacrifice, love, intense devotion, worship, extravagance…What can I give You?”

I put down my Bible and study books and went on about my day….but the question was never far from my heart, “Lord, what is my nard?” I kept thinking of all kinds of “things”…but I realized by the end of the day that the overwhelming thought that kept coming in my heart and mind all day was obedience. No matter what, obedience. No matter the request He makes, obedience. No matter how hard, obedience. No matter the cost, obedience. No matter the emotions, obedience.

That is my ‘nard’.

Oh, Father, sometimes I ask and when You tell me the answer, it is not always what I want to hear. Obedience is hard…but I know it is important and must be done! Lord, help me be obedient, help me give You my “nard” in the big things as well as in the small things. Help me not to be afraid to do something out of the ordinary for You! May You feel my love, my extravagance, my devotion, my faith in You through my obedience while walking through this valley and when I come out the other side!

What is your ‘nard’?