The Church's Message

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 14653, 23 April 1948, Page 4

The Church's Message

A BEAUTIFUL DEED

In these words our Lord described the action of Mary in anointing Him with the very precious ointment in the house of Simon of Bethany. It was not so described by others who saw it, and who were indignant at what they termed "waste." But lie who was the object of this tender adoration, saw behind the outward deed, as He always does, to the heart that prompted this act of costly devotion. In this incident recorded in Matthew 2G and Mark. 14 we are struck with the great contrast between the conduct of Mary and that of Judas. She had a heart for Christ and gladly sacrificed her silver to show her love for Him. Nothingwas too costly where He was concerned. Judas, on the other hand, had no heart for Christ, but he loved silver and willingly sacrificed his Master for it, and, incidentally, he obtained about the same amount that Mary so freely gave to honour her Lord. But truly, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." There are some precious lessons we may glance at here.

1. It reveals our Lord's estimate of service. The world's view-point of Christian service is always superficial, severly practical and shortsighted. The others present that day could see nothing but stupid wasce of precious money. Practical almsgiving appealed much more than this senseless waste of expensive ointment. How they scolded Mary, and it was not the first time she had been scolded. But the Lord saw beneath the surface the loving devotion to Himself that was the motive of this act. It was a beautiful deed in His all-seeing eyes. How often have similar criticisms been made when a young life has been consecrated to the Lord with its gifts and talents, and has gone forth to Mission field. The world says, "'To what purpose was this waste; he might have done such a fine, useful job at home." To the unspiritual it is only the outward that counts. This will always confront the one who, constrained by the love of Christ, wills to live i life of consecrated service to Him. But service inspired by personal love and devotion to Him is a "beautiful deed" and well-pleasing to Him. 2. He gives the highest meaning to our service for Kim. Mary did not probably realise the full import of her deed that day. It sprang spontaneously from her love for Him, but He saw into it a fuller meaning than perhaps she ever dreamed was there. She was anointing Him before His burial, not after it, as others later did. She had fellowship with Him in His sufferings, and this brought joy to His heart. If deep personal love to Him prompts our service, .its expression will bring us into a close fellowship with Himself, and He will see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied. And we shall be rendering a greater service than we know, with' more far-reaching results than we imagine. 3. Real devotion is never forgotten of Him. Many things are not recorded in the Gospels, probably many interesting and important things. This one is not only recorded but it is to be had in everlasting remembrance. The fragrance of that ointment filled the house, but the fragrance of that beautiful deed has permeated the Church of God down the centuries, and is as fresh and fragrant as ever today. "Whe'resoever the Gospel is preached all ''over the world, ; men will speak ef what she has done in memory of her." What an honour when we consider that our Lord wished only one other thing to be had in constant remembrance, and that was His own death, His body and blood given for us. This surely is to teach us the supreme value He sets on personal love to Himself. That such' a simple act as this anointing should reserve such honour and remembrance must lead us to judge all our service in the light of this fact. Is it the outpouring of a heart of love to Him? Is He so precious that nothing is too costly for Him? "Simon, sen of Jonas, lovest thou Me?" might often be said to us. But be assured every act, however small, that springs from personal devotion, is precious in His sight, is a "beautiful deed" and will •; not be forgotten of Him.