....FOR RICHER, FOR POORER.....
*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*....FOR RICHER, FOR POORER...*
*Scripture Treasure.*
John 12:3-5, 7 *Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.*
*Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,*
*Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?*
*Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.*
*For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.*
*Insight and Highlight.*
We can not claim to know the poor more than Jesus does, 2 Cor 8:9.
*Scripture Commentaries.*
Jesus' reply to Judas and the disciples that the woman who anointed His feet had wrought a good work upon Him and also that she did it for His burial, teaches us significantly.
Let us look at a few things we could learn.
First, Jesus' reply to Judas tells us that the interests of the poor are not overlooked when rich expenditures are made in the name of the Lord.
We often condemn rich and lavish decorations in God's houses, gifts to people of God or exquisite and luxurious possessions of men, and women of God saying these should go to the poor. Christ is telling us here that He may see our criticisms, rebuke differently and count them as wrong, deserving His condemnation.
Today, there are several murmuring and complaints targeted at eminent personalities, revered and reverent in God's service.
We fail to understand that Christ made this rebuke an example to many of us that God does approve the use of precious adoration splashed on His friends and servants.
Second, John 12:6 says Judas despised the anointing of Jesus' feet for selfish reasons. John says Judas said what he said, not because he cared for the poor but he was a thief.
This tells us that many critics of men and women of God often do so for selfish reasons. This is because they would probably do worse and would wish such things enjoyed by the men and women of God belonged to them or are given to them.
Furthermore, their intentions are to paint revered and true men and women of God, including the Church black!
Many of the critics' views are often intended to gain approval or favor or recognition from sycophants like them.
Third, Jesus opened our eyes by saying that no matter what we give or do to help the poor, they will always be with us.
This tells us that we can only do little even if they look much, in order to help the poor.
Jesus further tells us that none of us can defend or help the poor more than He does. He knows and cares for them more than we do. He became one of them so that we may be rich, 2 Cor 8:9.
There may be false brethren, but know there are true and faithful men and women of God who have given much substance to the poor and still do, and God is willing to bless them now for their labor of love.
Stop criticizing true men and women of God. Their interest in the poor in their churches are not overlooked!
*Remorse corner.*
If Christ did not stop such expensive adoration on Himself, it tells us He approves expensive, state of art Churches built in His name or luxuries of those who serve Him faithfully.
*Call to Word action.*
1 Timothy 5:18 *For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.*
*The Christian clarion duty.*
Jesus came for the poor and the rich. He is for better for worse, for the sick and the good health, for richer and poorer, for the rich and the poor, to support them all whatever the present and future may bring.
*Prayer.*
Lord, help me and be with me in whatever life brings to me. Let me live as an overcomer and above all life's problems and adversities, in Jesus name.
Good morning all and have a blessed day today.
God bless you.