In Memory Of Her

 

"Truly I tell you, wherever this good news of the Gospel is preached in the whole world,
 what this woman has done will also, be told in memory of her."
(Matthew 26:13)

Mary of Bethany

(1900)

George William Joy 

(1844-1925)

Irish painter

She came bearing a gift of love, probably without invitation, and certainly
without forewarning.  We are told that while Christ was reclining at table at 
 the home of Simon the Leper, she came and poured a very expensive perfume
 on His head. The disciples, Christ's specially chosen men, became indignant 
 when they saw her anoint the Lord in this manner.

"Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at
a high price and the money given to the poor."

But Christ said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman?
She has done a beautiful thing to Me...When she poured this perfume 
on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial." 

She obviously was a very sensitive woman, wanting to give something
special to the Lord before He was taken away. She had a great deal of
spiritual discernment as well. She had heard of Christ's coming execution,
and believed it.  Even so, her gift and her basis for giving it were not
understood even by these special men, the leaders of the early church.

But Jesus understood.  He appreciated her outpouring of love and made
a promise like no other in Scripture.  Christ said, "Wherever this Gospel
is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also
be told, in memory of her.

Just as this woman's gift was misunderstood by the leaders of the
early church, many churches today criticize women for trying to
share their special gifts.  Its comforting to know that our gifts
are acceptable, accepted, and appreciated by the Lord
 when given in love.  He understands our motivations;
He accepts what we bring.

Father, help us to give cheerfully and to accept graciously.

"A Gift"
A devotional by Sue Richards
Christian author