MONDAY, 28 DECEMBER 2015 BY TLC
Mark 14:3-9.
- And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
- And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, why was this waste of the ointment made?
- For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
- And Jesus said, let her alone; why trouble ye her? She hath wrought a good work on me.
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- Verily I say unto you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her (KJV).
Introduction
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is loaded with stories of several men and women who did works that men could at best describes as small, insignificant or wasted, but which God judged to be great, global and eternal in impact!.
The woman in Mark 14 gave the best she had to Jesus Christ. Men who witnessed the gift and the service responded with indignation, but Jesus responded with approval. The carnal men around called her labour ‘waste’, but JESUS described it as timely, meaningful and global in its impact. Whose report will you believe? Perhaps you were criticized for participating in ‘Touching Lives at Christmas’ (A program organize by TKP). Perhaps you were derided for giving your financial and material support to this outreach. It doesn’t matter the title of the man or woman who scorned your missionary effort. It doesn’t matter the calibre of people who ridiculed your resolve to Touch Lives at Christmas. As heaven is higher than the earth, so is God’s way higher than man’s way (Isaiah 55:9). God’s yardstick is diametrically different from man’s.
A woman cast two coins in the offering box and JESUS CHRIST declared that she was the highest giver in the Church service that day. How come? The answer is simple. Check it out in Luke 21:1-4.
Terms and Conditions
I am sure you are familiar with the words terms and conditions. It is common in promo adverts to see “T & C applies”. This simply means that for someone to benefit from a jumbo gift, you need to understand and agree with certain terms and fulfil certain conditions. A small labour will yield big results when the following terms and conditions are met:
- When the labour tallies with God’s mind and plan
Some people are toiling today, but against God’s mind and plan. Out of miss-directed zeal, they speak and work against anything inclined towards missionary work. How can you claim to be a minister of a Missionary God when you are against anything missions? When a labour, no matter how small tallies with God’s mind and plan; it produces a great effect.
- According to God’s timing
In John chapter six, a disciple of Jesus, Andrew by name said: ‘there is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many? (John 6:9). We all know what happened when the lad presented the small gift to JESUS. It fed over five thousand people.
- Rooted in God’s Word
A labour that is rooted in the word of God will accomplish amazing feat. No matter the intensity of opposition, no matter who is against or who is in support; no matter the availability or non-availability of resources, if it is rooted in the word of God, the small labour will yield great results.
- Done in love
Big work without love amounts to nothing. Small work with love will yield great results… “by love, serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).
- Birthed, grown and soaked in prayers
When a small work is birthed, grown and soaked in prayers, it produces great results. Galatians 4:19. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16(b).
- Done for God’s glory
- Self and personal aggrandizement removed
- Meets the need of the hour. John 6:1
- Eternity kept in view
- Pure motive.
- A Rewarding Resolution
Roman 11:13
- For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office (KJV).
Few days from now, we will welcome a new year, a new season, a new opportunity. Make a resolution to do what Apostle Paul did. He magnified his office. Whatever office (assignment, ministry, task and responsibility) the LORD has given you in His kingdom; magnify it. Don’t trivialize it. Don’t despise it. Attach dignity to God’s work. Put excellence into whatever duty you are given in the house of GOD.
Roman 12:8
- Or he that exhorteth, to his exhortating: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (kJV).
Conclusion
Revelation 3:8
I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
God knows the ability and the strength of each of His children. He knows those He gave five talents. He is ever aware of those He gave two talents. He is always conscious of the individuals and groups He gave one talent. His verdict is “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…” Luke 12:48.
Never underrate your contribution or anyone’s contribution to the work of God, because it could be small in the eyes of men, but in the actual fact, it is BIG in the sight of GOD. The labour you consider small can yield great results. The financial contribution that looks meagre can make a great impact in global missions. Your two fish and five loaves can feed five thousands souls. Never underestimate what a petty gift from a pure heart can accomplish.
By Sola Adebayo (TKP International Director)
(International Director, TKP)
+234 803 3611 009
tkphq@yahoo.co.uk