And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. 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 26:6-13)
The Church is not a community organization, a cultural awareness club, a relief organization, or a group of activists doing good deeds. The true Church has no agenda but worship and obedience to God through Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Only a Church living in communion with Christ can rightly serve others in God's estimation. All our efforts to do good are woefully inadequate and a waste of grace, unless we are viably connected to the vine and led by the Holy Spirit moment-by-moment. He is the only true minister in the Church!
Our primary focus must always be communion with Jesus Christ. No one cares for the poor, lost, and unfortunate like He does -- and He will equip and send us out to be a witness and a blessing, if we will wait on Him. Our Lord's approach is not emotional, political, or social, but spiritual; and we are best prepared to help others when we are closest to Jesus and identified with His ways and means. Let us refuse the pre-occupation with serving people, their needs, and their interests. There is a proper time and venue for meeting those needs within and outside the church, but this is not the primary focus or mission of a Bible-believing church. We must trust God with the affairs and well-being of people and keep our focus on Him! This is a difficult but essential point in our quest for spiritual maturity.
But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23)
Amen. No one else but Jesus Christ. There is no other love greater than His. He is greatly to be praised.
ReplyDeleteIt is a foolish thing to set our eyes on the ends of the earth when the Lord is right in front of us. This is a word of freedom; it is spiritually sharpening and focusing. Thank you, sir.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good and timely word.Churches may have some normal business to do.However,when they begin to run a church as a business..The humble humanity of Christ is lost..
ReplyDeleteHis death and resurrection is lost.He then is not glorified..
Because the priority has shifted to business above serving as Christ did..
It can happen individually as well. A slow infusion barely noticed at first.
By the Holy Spirit's power..May He root this out of the church.
And the focus be on Christ alone a humble servant..Directed by His word.Gathered together to worship Him and having our faith continually encouraged, our footsteps ordained by Him.
Looking always to the manager and the Cross.Church began there..is carried by the Cross..finished when He returns.