God Rewards a Costly Expression of Devotion

“Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Matthew 26:13 N.I.V

Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus with very expensive perfume (Matthew 26:6-13). She poured it on his head and also his feet and wiped it with her hair. This extravagant gesture showed her great faith and love for Jesus. She had obviously learned a lot from Jesus as she sat at his feet in past occasions, listening to his teachings which had a great impact on her life. She must also have been grateful for the raising of her brother Lazarus. The disciples and particularly Jesus were however were indignant at what they thought was a waste of good money. The perfume was worth a years’ wages and should have instead been sold and the money given to the poor. (John 12:5) But Jesus accepted her sacrifice and said it was a very beautiful thing and had prepared him for burial. He knew that Judas usually dipped into the bag where they kept donations for the poor and really wanted the money for his own use.

What do you give to the Lord? Do you come to him in adoration and worship with the best you can afford like Mary or do you come to him with that which costs you little? Our redemption was achieved at great price: the life of Jesus. There is nothing we can give him that can equal that sacrifice.The first thing we must do is to have a relationship with the Savior, then charity afterwards. Faith must come before works. The Lord appreciates every small thing we do for him and these deeds have long lasting spiritual significance.

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“As base a thing as money often is, yet it can be transmuted into everlasting treasure. It can be converted into food for the hungry and clothing for the poor. It can keep missionary actively winning lost men to the light of the gospel and thus transmute itself into heavenly values. Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth. Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality.” — A.W. Tozer (1897-1963), American pastor and writer

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