A COSTLY SERVICE - Pastor W.F Kumuyi

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

Tuesday, 4 October 2016

TOPIC: A COSTLY SERVICE

Bible Text: John 12:1-11

Key Verse: "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment" (John 12:3).

MESSAGE:
Miguel Guzman, a family man from Argentina passed away more than six years ago. To add to the family's grief, the family dog, a German Shepherd named Captain, disappeared just days later. The family frantically searched for him but to no avail. Then, one Sunday, they made a trip to the cemetery to VISIT Miguel's grave. There, to their great surprise and delight, they found Captain sitting atop the freshly mounded burial plot.

They mused how he could have ever found the cemetery on his own since he had never been taken there. Cemetery officials (who were feeding and caring for Captain) say the faithful dog has lived on the grounds for six years. "During the day he sometimes has a walk around the cemetery", says an official, "but always rushes back to the grave. And everyday at six o'clock sharp, he lies down on top the grave and stays there all night". Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead, was. While Jesus was at the table with Lazarus, Martha was occupied with serving as usual.

Meanwhile, Mary took a vial of an expensive ointment and anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped it with her hair. Judas Iscariot found it a waste to commit such a huge amount to this anointing instead of giving to the poor. Jesus saw Mary's action in reference to His coming death. Why did she do it? Many may ask. Mary was worried. She was afraid this might be the last time she would see Jesus. She needed to show Him how much He meant to her. She needed to show her devotion to Him in an unmistakable way. It was an act of deep humility. To what extent are you prepared to go today in showing your gratitude to Jesus? Why not be like Mary by exploiting every opportunity to service Him and do good to mankind.

Thought for the day: Nothing is too much to give to appreciate God

Bible Reading in one Year: Hebrews 10-13