We read Matthew 26 today in our Bible Reading Plan. Let's look at verses 6-13:
6 Now when Jesus came back to Bethany and was in the house of Simon the leper, 7 A woman came up to Him with an alabaster flask of very precious perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at table. 8 And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, For what purpose is all this waste? 9 For this perfume might have been sold for a large sum and the money given to the poor. 10 But Jesus, fully aware of this, said to them, Why do you bother the woman? She has done a noble (praiseworthy and beautiful) thing to Me. 11 For you always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me. 12 In pouring this perfume on My body she has done something to prepare Me for My burial. 13 Truly I tell you, wherever this good news (the Gospel) is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will be told also, in memory of her.
Do you know what verses really stand out to me? Verses 8-9:
8 And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, For what purpose is all this waste? 9 For this perfume might have been sold for a large sum and the money given to the poor.
This woman, who loved and worshiped Jesus, gave Him a very extravagant gift! It was a gift that reflected her love, cost her something, honored Him in the presence of others and got the attention of others. The question we need to ask is: How in the world did this affect anyone else there? Did this perfume (or ointment) belong to them? Did they pay for it? IF they were so very concerned for the poor, why were they not out doing something for the poor themselves? If you are thinking that this is none of my business, you would be absolutely correct! AND, it is none of yours, or theirs! That is my point today. The only money, possessions, riches, gifts, houses, airplanes, cars, or any other "thing" that WE should be concerned about are our own! IF God has blessed a person or a ministry with certain items, what business is it of ours? If He has called a ministry or a person to do something, purchase something, GIVE something, this is only between God and that person. And I AM saying that even the people giving should not be concerned about it. They, and WE, should ONLY be giving to ministries at the leading and direction of Holy Spirit, Who lives IN every born again believer!
If God is telling you to give, then give generously and with joy (2 Corinthians 9:6-15). The ministries and ministers are answerable ONLY to God for what they do with His calling and instructions! YOU and I will answer ONLY for OUR obedience to His calling and instruction for US! If you are not a partner with a ministry, mind your own business! If you ARE a partner, make sure that Holy Spirit has joined you with that ministry. If not, WHAT are you doing? You should never give out of emotion, but only by the leading of that still small voice inside! If Holy Spirit has joined you with that ministry, then speak to Him, and ONLY Him about your concerns. THAT is walking in the love that never fails! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "None But Jesus":
Shalom in Him!
