"Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil." John 12:3.

For everything, there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven. However, when the right season and/or time for a purpose has elapsed, the purpose is defeated.

Therefore, the right purpose must be accomplished at the appropriate time. Other times may be misfit ones, no matter the period taken or the cost involved.

This was the case with Christ and His anointing for burial.

The regular practice in the land of Israel was to anoint the dead before their burial as a mark of honor and to change the atmosphere for the better.

However, because of the circumstances that would surround the death and burial of the Lord, Jesus Christ, the reverse was the case. The anointing for burial was to take place before His death and burial, it was a task for only the spiritual who had been so equipped and assigned.

It is only such a person who could discern the time and the need of the moment, irrespective of the opinions of others around him.

When Mary anointed Jesus' feet at the supper at Bethany, no one but the Anointed appreciated and commended her efforts because He alone knew the time and the purpose of the act.

While others were busy, criticizing and condemning her action, Jesus commended her thus,
“Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial." John 12:7.

The current duty was for Mary to anoint Jesus Christ, which she did not fail to carry out.

Do you know what? According to the custom and tradition, after Christ's crucifixion, death, and burial, certain people among the disciples went to His burial place to perform the burial anointing but the tomb was already empty. No dead body to anoint. The Lord has risen from the dead!

The Scriptures reveal,
"Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him." Mark 16:1.

Do you perceive a need to meet, although others may not see reasons to do so? Please, meet it before it is too late. Stay blessed and prepared for the imminent coming of the Lord.

Note:
All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Holy Bible.

The Author is the set man of CTFM(WORLD OUTREACH)and Presiding Pastor of Christ Restland Gospel Church.He is a Poet and author of many books. Visit his blogsites www.4thlink.wordpress.com and www.peacelink.wordpress.com for more quality contents.