Mary's Gift

 “Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus,…” John 12:3

Read Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-11

The home of Simon the Leper, in the town of Bethany, became a place to remember when Mary anointed Jesus with a very expensive perfume in preparation for His death. 

Set east of the Mount of Olives, just outside of Jerusalem, Bethany likely experienced a great influx of people at this time—right before the Passover. It seems Simon’s house overflowed with people, including some rather disgruntled disciples. Mary’s home also resided in this town, but on this day, her sister Martha served, and her brother Lazarus sat at the table. He, who Jesus raised from the dead, drew a crowd of Jews interested in seeing a spectacle.

The disciples, by this time, had likely developed a sense of prestige. They followed Jesus, rubbing shoulders with people from all stations of life. They loved Him. They desired to protect Him. Yet, they had not fully grasped the notion of worshiping and ministering.

Mary recognized the best place was at Jesus’ feet. She had sat there before, listening to His teachings. On this day, she worshipped Him by pouring on His feet a costly perfume she likely had saved for years to purchase. She loved Him. She desired to give something to Him that cost her greatly. She ignored the murmurs of those around her and did what her heart, molded by His teachings and His manner to her, propelled her to do—sacrifice a costly ointment.

Then there was Judas Iscariot. Often portrayed as the antagonist when his name is mentioned. Judas had been welcomed into the twelve by Jesus—even handpicked by Him. He’d been given a very important job: the treasurer, keeper of the bag (containing the money of which he helped himself to now and again). Judas took offense to Mary’s gift, but not in truth. He wanted the ointment sold for money so he could access it, not because he cared for the poor. Nonetheless, he speaks up and says, “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” John 12:5.

Had Judas’ attitude filtered to the other disciples? According to both Mark and Matthew, Jesus’ disciples had indignation over the ‘waste’. However, consider this, they were all guilty of self-importance. In a crowd of many different people, if one appeared to care for the poor, one might be hailed a charitable person, a person of good religion. This was not how Jesus saw it.

“For the poor shall never cease out of the land:…” Deuteronomy 15:11

Jesus references this verse in His defense of Mary’s action. Each person there would be familiar with it, including the disciples. A bit of a smack down, wouldn’t you say? Jesus pointed out this action of Mary was not only important, it would be remembered for as long as the gospel is preached.

Judas, no doubt, had enough of feeling belittled by Jesus. He’d given room to haughty thoughts and bitterness. Not long, and he’d be wholly taken over by Satan, leading to his betrayal of Jesus.

Indignation. Humiliation. Haughtiness. Bitterness. All these describe Judas, but do we, at times, allow thoughts that lead down the same road? Do we sometimes hold a standard of religion or righteousness we’ve set higher than the worship of Christ?

If I’m honest? I have at times. The thoughts slip in usually under the guise of upholding the appearance of righteousness, or not wanting to give room for anyone to question my faith. How many times have I allowed myself to get puffed up, because I worked for such and such a ministry, or I serve in such and such a capacity, and forget I’m not to be honored…God is. I’m not to be held in high esteem. God is. And when I let my determination to hold up a ministry I am responsible for over worshiping God, well, I’m behaving the same as Judas Iscariot.

Indignation sneaks in and disrupts the communion we have with Christ and with one another.

Have you of late taken offense for something someone has done to glorify God but at the cost of another ministry?

“And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followers not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” Luke 9:49-50

Sons of a Successful Fisherman

 “And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.” Mark 10:35

Read Mark 10:35-45; Matthew 20:20-28. 

Sons of a successful fisherman, James and John tended toward arrogance, in my mind at least. When fishing, they partnered with Peter, and their friendship made them an easy trio as disciples. Peter, James, and John beheld the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1; Mark 9:2) and the raising of Jarius’s daughter (Mark 5:37-43). In other words, one could easily see how they might consider themselves a step above the rest in the ‘kingdom of heaven’.

In Mark 10, these brothers approached Jesus, desiring to have positions of honor. A curious request given that Jesus had recently addressed the question of who was greater in the kingdom of heaven. But the request wasn’t just made by the brothers. Their mother (Matthew 20:20-24) also requested this place of privilege.

However, Jesus taught the disciples humility, service, and putting yourself last. He chose 12 men to be His disciples. He taught them, sent them out, and they experienced power not only to preach, but to heal and to cast out demons. No doubt that was a heady experience.

Likely, the disciples began to gain confidence in their ‘religiosity.’ And yet, they were not able to cast out the devil in a young boy. Jesus told them they lacked faith.

Humility, service, and putting yourself last. These attributes Jesus wanted the disciples to learn before they would be instrumental in sharing the Gospel to the world. The men needed to understand that faith, plain and simple, must dominate their interactions with each other. Without faith, people fall back on works, on the ways of the Pharisees, in order to feel they were saved.

Jesus chose James and John to be their disciples, because He had positioned them to serve and had given them bold personalities. But their strengths had also become their weaknesses. Their reach for honor created a rift between them and the other ten disciples (Mark 10:41). And Jesus needed to step in again:

“Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45.

James and John had specific roles, and would suffer for those roles. James was martyred (Acts 12:1,2), and John would be held prisoner on the isle of Patmos (Revelations 1:9) and outlived all his fellow apostles.
They were leaders. Jesus schooled them to be humble, servants, and to put others ahead of themselves. And I believe John gained a deeper understanding of the equality of believers in his later years, when he wrote his third epistle. In this epistle, he pointed out that Diotrephes loved preeminence among the other believers. Perhaps the reason for the lesson Jesus taught him and his brother James at the beginning became evident. If the church John was writing to was to stand strong, no one should hold themselves above another.

I am grateful for the example Jesus showed in dealing with these two men. Yes, they had a sense of greatness. But instead of humiliating them in front of the other disciples, Jesus taught the need to be a servant. Instead of exposing prideful hearts, He taught what He wanted to see amongst His believers. He gave the example of servant leadership.

How do you view yourself within your church? Do you humbly serve, or do you seek recognition?

“I receive not honour from men.” John 5:41

Is Jesus Calling You?

 “But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: …and he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude…” Mark 3:7-9

Read Matthew 12:15-21; Mark 3:7-12; Luke 6:17-19

By this time in Jesus’ ministry, many people followed Him. Some to receive healing, some to hear His teaching, and some to find fault. Throughout the Gospels we read when certain disciples were called. Quite likely at this juncture in Christ’s ministry, all of the twelve knew of Him, probably even followed Him for a bit, and maybe even demonstrated a great yearning for His fellowship. 

Note the disciples mentioned in this passage in Mark were not limited to the twelve. The twelve may not have even known each other, outside of family and friend relationship they had before meeting Jesus. Perhaps they simply tested the waters. What did it mean to follow Jesus? Was this teacher really the Messiah or simply a great prophet? Was He someone they would give up everything to serve? Could they be a part of His ministry but continue with their normal lives? I wonder what they thought would be their future.

Jesus knew. Jesus knew who He’d choose to be an apostle (one of the twelve disciples) before the universe was made. He created them for that purpose. Yet, He also created them with a free will. So, in a sense, He wooed them to follow Him. From John the Baptist’s exclamations of who Jesus was, to the teachings, to the miracles, Jesus worked a stirring in the hearts of the men He would call into full time ministry.

The twelve were called to the mountain, they came, and they were ordained to preach the Gospel, heal sicknesses, and cast out devils.

Jesus often went to pray on a mountain. God gave Moses the ten commandments on a mountain, and in Mark 3:13-19, Jesus ordained the twelve men who would turn the world upside down with the Gospel. The moment was epic. The future both determined and unknown. The faith great, and yet, it would be tested and stretched and strengthened. Whatever they had thought their lives would be, it probably hadn’t been to be an apostle—a messenger of God to share the good news of the coming Kingdom of Heaven.

We also experience mountain top times when we spend time praying, feel the call of God, and accept the calling. Just ask a missionary, and likely they’ll have stories of how they prayed, heard, and accepted the calling of God on their lives.

While we’ll never be one of the twelve, we do have a calling to love God and love others. And when we love God and love others, we’ll share the Gospel when the Holy Spirit pricks our hearts to do so. We’ll put one foot ahead of the other when we’re not sure whether what we do even does any good. We’ll trust, even when the Lord is silent.

I imagine the twelve men were on an emotional and spiritual high that day. I imagine they had great hope and expectations. And I imagine they listened to Jesus’ teachings, opening their hearts but perhaps not fully understanding. Understanding would come when the Holy Spirit came to them in Acts 2.

And then, they went out and their message changed the lives of many and the course of history.

Have you felt the Lord drawing you, showing you through His Word, through circumstances, through His people, to serve Him in a way you never thought you could?

“Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:” Romans 1:6

John the Baptist's Ministry

 “Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.” John 1:35-37

Read John 1:35-51; Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11

John the Baptist’s ministry pointed the way to Jesus. The Holy Spirit affirmed John’s faith and testimony when He descended from Heaven like a dove and abode on Jesus. I can imagine John excited at seeing Jesus again and pointing Him out to his disciples. I imagine the disciples curious and, having believed John’s word, determined to follow Jesus to see how He would fulfill John’s statements. 

Can you imagine how startled those men were when Jesus turned and asked them what they sought? If it were me, I’d stumble and, in an attempt to cover my true reasons for following, say something similar to what these disciples said, “where do you dwell?”

I love Jesus’ response, “Come and see.”

He didn’t make them feel bad. He didn’t chase them away. He didn’t even try to ‘convert’ them to His way. He simply answered their question, and that led to the opportunity for them to get to know Him, “They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day:…” (John 1:39).

Andrew, Peter’s brother was one of the two who followed Jesus. He went and told Simon Peter he found the Messiah, and Jesus said, “Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.” (John 1:42). 


From other passages of Scripture (Matthew 4:18, Mark 1:16), we know Andrew and Peter were fishermen. What else do we know about these two?

This encounter happened away from where they lived. They lived in Galilee, Bethsaida to be precise (John 1:44). They met Jesus along the Jordan River, south of the sea of Galilee.

In Galilee, they fished for a living. What brought them away from their community? Andrew followed John the Baptist, but the Scripture doesn’t clearly state Peter did. Yet, Peter must have been within the vicinity.

We know Jesus later called both men to follow him and be ‘fishers’ of men’ (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16), and we know they had a house together (Mark 1:29).

What does this tell us about them?

They had the freedom to come and go. In other words, they were not servants or slaves, but self-employed. Since they owned a house large enough to house both their families, Peter’s mother-in-law, and to entertain a crowd which visited with Jesus, one would assume they had some financial status (Matthew 8:14-17; Mark 1:29–34; Luke 4:38-41), though not considering themselves rich (Matthew 19:23-25; Mark 10:23-31; Luke 18:24-30).

Peter and Andrew partnered with James’ and John’s family when fishing (Luke 5:10). James and John’s family had servants (Mark 1:20).

Often, people portray these men as poor fishermen, yet I’m not sure ‘poor’ describes them correctly. They forsook their livelihood to follow Jesus. However, they had family and servants helping them. On a practical level, I’d say God positioned them in life to be able to care for their families as well as follow Jesus. Yes, leaving their business to family and servants would be a sacrifice. Yet, they had freedoms a servant or slave would not have.

God never calls us to impossible situations. And when something seems impossible, He always makes a way. I think perhaps we see the impossible and therefore assume God doesn’t want us to do whatever He may be calling us to do. I wonder how often in my life I’ve missed opportunities to stand in awe of God simply because I looked at the impossible and did not acknowledge that with God all things are possible.

How often do we look at our situations, can even see we can follow God, but choose not to because to do so would mean not only ourselves, but our families, would have to suffer some discomfort and perhaps even embarrassment.

I do not have the wisdom of Solomon. However, I do have the Holy Spirit dwelling in me. Over the years, I’ve learned God doesn’t call everyone to the same service, and I shouldn’t be surprised at the roads people go down.

Hardships, heartaches, and trials come to those who follow God. I’ve had people tell me these things meant I was walking in disobedience. Maybe. Maybe not. But I can’t bend to the urgings of men. I must bend to the urgings of the Holy Spirit.

I imagine Peter and Andrew were given some grief for dropping everything and following Jesus. But I love the rock of faith Peter has when Jesus asked who the disciples thought Jesus was:
 

“Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:17-19

Have you considered all God has given you? Are you positioned to serve God in a particular way? Do you feel an unction to serve Him and to trust He’ll provide?

“But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” I John 2:20

The Sting of Criticism

 When we moved to Texas, I took a break from writing and focused on home and family. I wouldn't have been capable of balancing a 'career' and family at the same time. My family was my career. I know plenty of women that do this, but that wasn't my calling in life. 

In truth, raising kids and taking care of home was not my only reason. God needed to do some serious work on me. I arrived in Texas pretty beat up emotionally and spiritually. I wanted desperately to serve God, but my ego needed to get over itself (a safe way of saying, hey, I had way too much pride and I needed to turn from it). So, it seemed fitting to take a break away from readers and writers and all that comes with that, and simply learn about God.

You know what I learned? God loves me. Simple, isn't it?

But in all the criticism that comes when you are an author, or any person putting herself out there, you can miss a very important fact expressed in a simple children's song: Jesus Loves Me.

Did I get over my ego? Nope. Did I get over the hurt? Yes. While I have been a student of the Bible since childhood, I still need to remember that I am a child of God. I still need to take the time to adore God in truth, to pray in sincerity, and to live with complete abandonment. 

I have picked up writing again (as you can see). I still fear what people say when I shouldn't. I still feel the sting of criticism. I still battle with the need to be approved. But I know where to go to regain my stability and my courage and my strength. I have to remind myself of His love and mercy and pleasure in me. I have to remind myself that He is my audience, and it is His Holy Spirit that will speak to the hearts of my readers, not my words. My battle with pride is certainly my thorn in the flesh. But God's grace is sufficient. To Him be all honor, and glory, and praise. Forever and ever, Amen!

Thomas Perry

 Thomas Perry lived in Wales in the 1600's, an ordinary man with an extra-ordinary faith.

In Wales, like in England, the Church of England (Episcopal Church) ruled, yet without truth. King Charles I sat on the throne, believed he "received [his] power from God and thus could not be deposed." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_I_of_England) He waged a war against any and all who opposed this.

Thomas Perry dreamt one night of two places, one of hell and one of heaven. He wanted to go to heaven but was told he could not until he ate the bread of life. The dream impacted him and when he was able, he visited the parish church, listened to the Episcopal minister, and "became a little more moral as to his outward conduct." (History of the Welsh Baptists, p. 44)

A seemingly random meeting of an old woman on the way to a Baptist meeting brought him to hear a sermon preached on the bread of life. He spoke to the preacher, learned that the bread of life was Jesus Christ and only through Him could he go to heaven. Thomas Parry was then converted.

This preacher that led Thomas Parry to faith revealed an important truth which would later depict Thomas' life:

. . . described the tribulation that he must expect to meet with on his way there; and that it was to continue only for a short time, in comparison with that eternity to which he was hastening. (History of the Welsh Baptists, p. 44)

Thomas Parry's life exhibited boldness in the face of persecutions from both King Charles I and King Charles II.

Men of faith, like Thomas Parry, encourage me to take a stand. The prevailing wisdom of many leaders in Christendom today tell us to bend under the winds of compromise. They claim that a civilized approach to Christianity is to acknowledge others faith journeys as just as viable ways to live as that of a person who bases his salvation on faith alone.

Not true.

As Thomas Parry discovered, there is only one bread of life, there is only one way to salvation. He was warned what it would cost him to chose to partake of this bread, and he, having desired a heavenly home, accepted the cost as a momentary time of suffering.

The Apostle Paul, while writing to the Philippians from prison, said:

"But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;" Philippians 1:12 (KJV)

Paul recognized that God continued to work even when he suffered. He willingly suffered so that others might be encouraged, so that the rulers of the time would have opportunity to hear, so that the Gospel of Christ would be proclaimed.

During the 17th century many suffered persecution but that did not stop the spread of Truth.

Today many scoff at those who take a stand and continue to share the one and only true Gospel message: the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the redemption of man. Many who put themselves under the umbrella of Christendom place upon their followers a heavy yoke of works oriented faith and then mock those who say that salvation comes only through faith . . . not through baptism, not through the receiving of the sacraments, not based on how good you are and whether you feed the poor or work to save the environment.

How does this apply to me?

Thomas Parry was said to have "in the name of his God . . . hoisted up his banners." (History of the Welsh Baptists, p. 43) He refreshed the souls and bodies of those fellow Christians, fellow ministers of the cross, who suffered affliction for their faith.

I care not to be praised by the lofty members of Christian publishing. I don't desire to be an acclaimed novelist like the author of The Shack. There is nothing wrong with praise or acclamation, and if God chooses for this to happen, so be it.

But I would rather be recognized as someone who upheld the Gospel message, exhorted believers to stand fast in the faith, and refreshed the souls and bodies of those who "stand in the fray. "

How's Your Worship?

 "Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible." Malachi 1:7

Read Malachi 1; Nehemiah 13.
The priests in Israel lost their passion. They grudgingly offered sacrifices, knowingly placing imperfect animals upon the altar.

The offering of sacrifices was a form of worship. We don't offer animal sacrifices anymore, but we do worship on many different levels. In your daily life (which we are to offer as a sacrifice) are you doing your best for the Lord? 

• When you pray, do you fall asleep or let your mind wander?
• When you read the Bible, do you scan the words instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you?
• When you sing do you make a joyful noise, presenting to God your very best?
• When you serve in your church, do you give 100% effort?
• When you are at work, are you honoring God (acknowledging that He is the one that provided the job) and giving your 100%?
• When you fellowship with friends and family, do you remember that God tells us to 'minister' to one another, and therefore reflect this in your communication?

The list is endless in the ways that we 'offer sacrifices' to God.

I must not offer my sacrifices grudgingly, as the priests did, with only a half-hearted attempt to please God. Rather, I must pour my all on the altar with the very best that I can give—with a passion bent on meeting the passion God has for me.

In what ways are you offering sacrifices of worship to God?

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1