We read John 12 in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today! I LOVE the account of Mary anointing JESUS with the precious and costly ointment. The reactions of some are mirrored in some people today! Look at verses 3-8:
3 Mary took a pound of ointment of pure liquid nard [a rare perfume] that was very expensive, and she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, the one of His disciples who was about to betray Him, said, 5 Why was this perfume not sold for 300 denarii [a year’s wages for an ordinary workman] and that [money] given to the poor (the destitute)? 6 Now he did not say this because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief; and having the bag (the money box, the purse of the Twelve), he took for himself what was put into it [pilfering the collections]. 7 But Jesus said, Let her alone. It was [intended] that she should keep it for the time of My preparation for burial. [She has kept it that she might have it for the time of My embalming.] 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.
Mary had this very precious and costly ointment, saved I am sure for a very special occasion. SHE considered honoring JESUS just such a special occasion! Notice that the person who had the most to say about what Mary had done was the very one who was stealing from the ministry money bag! He was NOT interested in helping the poor, but in covering for himself and having an 'appearance' of caring for the poor! I LOVE the answer that JESUS gave to him: YOU always have the poor with you! In fact, in Mark 14:7 we see another account of this very time and this was added : and whenever you wish you can do good to them. So, JESUS was exposing the hypocrisy of the complaint of Judas! Now, fast forward to today and see if you recognize these same spirits operating! We have the promise of John 10:10, directly from the lips of JESUS, given under the OLD COVENANT, and living in an even newer and better covenant than THEY had!
10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
BUT, when believers who are operating under the Kingdom of God principles that have been clearly laid out in the Word of God, and prospering to the point of thoroughly ENJOYING this wonderful life that HE has given to us, there will inevitably rise up someone who will begin to lecture them on the size of their home, the type of car they have, the neighborhood in which they live, etc. etc. etc. All the while speaking about the homeless, the poor, the orphans, the widows, that these talkers believe that the prosperous have an obligation to give all of their money to! JESUS said it well above! We are ALL, every one of us, no matter how many or how few personal possessions we have, to give to the poor, to help and assist other believers, to be ever ready to follow Holy Spirit's leading as we do so. The people speaking and complaining have NO idea how much the prosperous people have already given! NOT ONE! Usually, a prosperous believer IS prosperous BECAUSE of how much they have given and given and given to others! No, prosperity is a personal choice and a personal responsibility. YOU do not have to answer to ANYONE but the LORD Himself about your life! This is most especially true concerning ministries, and what God Himself has called, anointed, ordained and equipped HIS ministers to do! The next time you encounter a person speaking evil of another minister for anything, remind them that touching God's Anointed has serious consequences for our lives here! DON'T do it yourself and don't allow anyone else to do so in your presence! AMEN! Keep YOUR eyes on JESUS! Your Source of all things good and Godly! AMEN! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "Wonder":Shalom in Him!
