June 4, 2003
Reading:
Mark 14:3-9
“She has done
what she could” (8)
In the heart of every true Believer lies the
hope and desire that one day he or she will hear the words of Jesus – “Well
done, good and faithful servant” Matt 25:23. While this hope remains in us,
many have secretly given up they will ever hear those words from the lips of
our Master. The story we read today sheds light on the meaning of these words
and can restore hope when hope has been lost.
We know very little about this woman – not even
her name, although John tells us she was Mary, the brother of Lazarus (John
12:3). We know she loved Jesus, not from a distance, but so much that she was
willing to spend her savings and purchase an expensive ointment with which to
anoint Him. For this act she received criticism from the disciples but praise
from her Lord. Were the disciples correct in their observation? Yes, the
ointment could have been sold and the money distributed to the poor, but the
woman had a higher cause in mind. Were there other persons who could have done
the same thing? Most certainly, but the woman acted. It was not so much the act
of anointing that impresses me at this time, but the words of Jesus, “She has
done what she could.”
God does not expect us to compete with those
who are so evidently gifted. Service and dedication to God is not a
competition. It is not a matter of accumulating ‘brownie points’ with the
expectation of being awarded trophies at the Judgment Seat of Christ. We will
be judged based on our commitment, not accomplishments. Paul writes, “Let each
one take heed how he builds” (1 Cor
Whichever ability or abilities God has gifted
us with, He expects us to use it as best we can. Whether it be
teaching, preaching, hospitality, counseling, comforting, encouraging,
administration, or any other gift, or if He has called us to be an elder or
deacon in the church, at the close of our life we need to hear our Judge say,
“She has done the best she could.” The glorious thing is that human
acknowledgment and praise does not enter into the equation. If we brag about
our gifts and accomplishments and receive the plaudits of man, that may well be
all the reward we receive.
If you
are fortunate enough to be saved at an early age, do not think you are too
young to serve the Lord. Paul told Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but
be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in
faith, in purity” (1 Tim
“A true Christian should desire to leave the
world, when he dies, a better world than when he was born, and should give his
mite to improve it, whether in money, talents, or time. Duties are ours and
results are God’s.” J.C.
Ryle, 1816-1900