"Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." (Matthew 26:13)
"Preached," not in every sermon, but in the life of the Covenant Community. The same adoration of the woman in our text should be expressed in songs of love, honor and worship to Jesus in the Church. The liberal theologians among the disciples reprimanded her because, as they explained to her, care for the poor was more important. Jesus intervened. "You have the poor with you always," and you will have constant opportunity to serve them. The argument and identity of liberals and evangelicals over the years that one is "big" on the "born again" message and worship, and the other is big on caring for the poor, is just plain stupid and misrepresents Jesus Christ. There is no such emphasis or differentiation in the "God-Breathed" Word. That is man-centered, Tower of Babel thinking and living.
It is interesting to note that the woman's love expression came just before Jesus shared His "Last Supper" with the disciples. Luke records that Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of Me." The word translated, "remembrance," means, "recall to mind," a "call to recollection." In other words, Church, keep the suffering, the shed Blood, and death of Jesus ever before you. 1 Corinthians 10:16 describes worship at "The Lord's Table." Let me give you a literal translation--- "The content of the cup which is the Blood of Jesus, and which we adore and bless, is it not partnership, participation, and interaction in the Blood of Christ?"!? This is Biblical communion, koinonia, fellowship and worship. This is participation in the "fragrant oil," the adoration and blessing of Jesus.
I have never found a greater expression of all of this than the song of 17th century German Jesuits put to music of a Crusader hymn.
"Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature,
O Thou of God and man the son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou my soul's glory, joy, and crown.
Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory, and honor, praise, adoration
Now and forevermore be thine."
Amen.
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"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
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