While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. (Matthew 26:6-11)
Why is it that people that are doing nothing for the Lord have so much to say about the way others live for Him, worship Him and praise Him? How much could the disciples have been doing for the Lord that they had time to “pick on Mary’s praise”? You never know what the person praising has been through or what God has revealed to them. This is why we must all have our own personal relationship with the Lord so that we can recognize and obey the sound of His voice no matter how it may look in the natural.
In ancient days, it was a practice to anoint the body in preparation for the burial with perfume. Unbeknownst to the disciples, Mary was preparing the body of Jesus for his burial. Mary’s mind was set on things eternal and the disciples were concerned with the temporal. When God places something in our hearts to do for Him – we need to do what he tells us to do regardless of what others may say, think or feel. Only what you do for Christ will last.
When we see others focused on their work for the Kingdom, we must learn to be encouraging not discouraging. Mary Magdalene was on assignment for the Lord. The disciples attempted to stop her progress. Mary continued anyhow. The disciples didn’t know why Mary was using the perfume on the Lord so in their eyes it was a waste. But it’s not our job to question the necessity of one’s efforts. Our thoughts and ways are not like God’s. We don’t always understand why He uses the methods or people that He does but it is His will and it will be done anyhow. Are you “picking on anyone’s praise”?
Shanita Waters
By His Stripes We are Healed, Author
www.waterplantgrowth.com
Guess Who Won't Be In Court Today?
2 days ago
2 comments:
What a touching topic! I love this scripture as well. I sometimes looked at like Mary Magdalene, even by some that are supposed to be close to me. However, I simply ignore it and continue to Praise and Worship the Almighty. Because they don't know the story that led to HIS glory. Praise GOD and thanks again for the insightful topic.
GOD BLESS!
LaTonya
Thank you so much. I actually wrote this one a long time ago and some events that recently occurred brought it to my rememberance. I found myself feeling bad that people didn't understand my praise but then God reminded me that they aren't supposed to. It's a personal thing. I know why I love Him like I do. I know where He's brought me from and what He's done for me. So I am going to focus on Him and not be moved by the distractions (because that's all that it is). Stay encouraged, God's Ladie (I like that name). I am blessed by the fact that you enjoyed it.
Shanita Waters
www.waterplantgrowth.com
Post a Comment