Following the criticism the woman received from those who observed her pouring the ointment over Jesus, He complimented her act as a “beautiful thing”. Consider the second statement Jesus made regarding this woman’s actions.
Again we read. . .
“(6) But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. (7) For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. (8) She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.” (Mark 14:6-8 ESV)
The second compliment from Jesus was that the woman had “done what she could”. Perhaps there were other things she would like to have done, but the thing she could do, that she did. Jesus validated her actions and noted them as preparatory to His burial. Though the customary would be following a death, Jesus received this service from her before His death.
There is only so much we can do in the varying situations of life. Some do nothing. Others seem to do only as much as is needful to get by. Perhaps we have a desire to do more, but are we at least doing what we can?
Encouraging Christians at Corinth in following through with a commitment they had made earlier to help in a collection for needy saints in Judea, Paul stated. . .
“(10) And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. (11) So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. (12) For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.” (2 Corinthians 8:10-12 ESV)
The Corinthians had possessed a desire to help and Paul encouraged them to follow through with that desire. He also encouraged them that God’s expectation was only with regard to what they had to offer. How could one give more than that?
God does not expect anything more from us than what we have to offer. Are we at least offering that in service to Him? Though others might criticize the efforts we put forth as being small, the Lord knows when we have done what we could. Remember how Jesus praised the widow who gave what she had out of her poverty, declaring it to be more than what was given by others out of their wealth. (Mark 12:41-44) The amount — great or small — is not as relevant as the willingness to step forward and do what we can. That is the action which gains the Lord’s approval. May we serve to receive His praise!
Have a great day CHEERFULLY OFFERING WHAT WE ARE ABLE!
Carl
