ACTS OF THANKSGIVING As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. - John Fitzgerald Kennedy Scripture reading: Mark 14:3-9 There is a popular saying that, actions speak louder than words. This idiom means that what one does is more significant than what he or she says. Majority of Christians are conversant with thanksgiving by words but the word of God exhorts all believers to add appreciative deeds to their words. Our scripture reading for today describes one of the greatest expressions of gratitude from a human being to God since creation. The Lord was so profoundly touched by this act of kindness that He endorsed it as a memorial for all generations. It is noteworthy that not a single word was spoken by the woman at the center of this act, Mary of Bethany, but her actions were regarded as extremely pleasing to the Lord. If the Lord could be profoundly touched by this voiceless act of gratitude, I believe that her example must be taken as one of the yardsticks of thanksgiving which must be worthy of emulation by all believers. This wonderful expression of gratitude was firmly etched in the realm of heaven and earth as a memorial by Jesus Christ that is worthy of study and practice by believers in every generation. Some laudable insights into this great act include: The young woman had the purest of motives when she expressed her gratitude to the Lord. Her act was not a show-off of wealth, spirituality or popularity. She was genuinely grateful to God for all His loving-kindness and faithfulness in her life. What she gave to the Lord was priceless. Scriptures declare that the perfume in the alabaster jar was worth one years salary of the average worker at the time. It means it would have cost about $30,000.00 - $40,000.00 in our day. She did not give her leftover but her very best to God. The young woman exhibited an unusual demonstration of faith which according to the word of God comes by hearing the word (rhema) of God. By responding to this divinely orchestrated act of thanksgiving, Mary of Bethany heard the voice of God, obeyed and went ahead of time and everyone to anoint the body of Jesus Christ before His death. As 2Cor. 5:7 says, For we walk by faith, not by sight. After the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord, the rest of the women who followed and supported His ministry, including Mary Magdalene realized that they were too late with their plan to anoint His body as stated in Mark 16:1, Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. The Lord had already resurrected and the other Mary of Bethany had performed that sacred anointing way ahead of time. This wonderful and unspoken act of thanksgiving received the highest seal of approval from the Lord. What the rest of the people criticized and were indignant of was praised and deeply appreciated by the Lord. This must compel every believer to exercise liberty in God and regardless of the attitude of the world, continue to do what the Lord lays on their hearts to thank Him. The young woman maximized her kairos moment when she seized a divine opportunity through a selfless act of thanksgiving to perform a single act of service which could never be duplicated and was memorialized by the Lord. Mary of Bethany spoke no words, but expressed a profound act of gratitude to the Lord. As you set out today and henceforth, it is my prayer that youll go beyond words and manifest sweet-scented acts of thanksgiving to the Lord for all that Hes done and continues to do in your life. Memory verse: Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. - Psalm 100:4 Rev. Dr. Isaac Paintsil ©
Posted on: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:46:08 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015