Scriptures
“A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.”” John 12:2-3, 5 NLT
Application
When the Lord does something for you, how do you appreciate Him? Have you found yourself needing help from the Lord, and in desperation you promised God some things at great cost to you? Once the problem is solved don’t you often forget to follow through on your promises?
Alright. If the above doesn’t apply to you, how about this scenario. You promised to do something for the Lord when He comes through for you, but you did it very late. Or, did it when it was long past due.
Sadly, some folks don’t remember to appreciate God until there is another need in their lives. The truth is that when God does anything for us, He wants us to show gratitude. While fellow human beings may say “don’t mention it”, God wants us to mention it.
Now compare the story for today. Jesus had raised Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha from the dead in the previous chapter. They didn’t actually promise Jesus anything if He raised their brother. The reason could probably be because no one expects Lazarus to come back to life again.
However, once their brother came back to life, they didn’t just allow the event to pass by without appreciating the Lord. First, Martha hosted a lavish dinner in His honor and invited people to celebrate Him. Then Mary brought an expensive jar of perfumed oil and anointed Jesus’ feet. It was recorded as worth a year’s wages.
When the Lord does anything for you, don’t cut back in showing gratitude. Go all out. Remember how you were desperate for help and use the same intensity to appreciate Him. Happy Thanksgiving!
Prayer Points
- Father, thank You for these truths.
- Lord, I will not be cheap in showing gratitude for all you do for me.
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