A Daily Purpose

Bible Study & Devotional Day 67

Written By Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scripture: Mark 12:30-31 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

🔴 Serve God

We don’t have to ‘go it’ alone. Even at the fall of humankind into sin’s slavery, God showed unimaginable mercy to His people. (Gen. 3:21) God is enough. He has an incredible way of reminding us who He partners with and who will partner with you.

Helpers

Numbers 11:17 records the type of help God gives His servants. Someone who is like-minded and seeks to build the kingdom of God with authority and power through the Holy Spirit. Is it possible to reject this type of assistance? Yes, humanity has a bend towards sinful nature and will rebel against those God sends (insert any prophet story here 🤷‍♀️ )

In the New Testament, Jesus told parables about those sent by God to lead people away from idolatry and into peace and order. We can bear one another’s duties because of Christ. (Galatians 6:2) In doing so, we fulfill the law of loving our neighbor; God will not let us become overwhelmed!

People can help us cultivate a God-fearing community.

The tribes of Israel were organized and listened to God through Moses. God placed His spirit on the 70 elders so Moses could see and feel the support from those he was guiding. Don’t be afraid to ask God to partner you with those who are for Him. He hears the prayers and cries of all of us; let Him answer you.
Numbers 11:23 The Lord’s ability and power of what seems impossible is not. God can give His spirit of praise to all creation. Psalm 150:6

Worthy

In Mark 14:4-5 we read the actions of a woman who poured expensive perfume over the head of Jesus. WOW! Give me some grace as I point out my God shot. Worthiness. Was Jesus not worthy of this experience? After all He had done, it would seem plausible that those around Him would celebrate this genuine act of love, kindness, and respect.

But she was a woman…

While I would love to believe our Christian society has come a long way, there are still some deeply rooted pharisaic personalities serving in the church.
Mary (I think it was Mary of Magdala) did something unorthodox and excellent for our Savior, and Jesus had to explain her actions. Jesus says in Mark 14:6, “to leave her alone and stop causing trouble.” A command leaders would be wise to pay attention, especially if women are part of the staff, volunteer, or are in the congregation.

A Ministry Divided?

If the focus is on stifling the message (production, commitment, growth) because of gender?!? Then power is given to the enemy to steal valuable time, destroy relationships, and kill beneficial service opportunities.

Mary’s example was great. By being one of the few people who came back to thank Jesus for healing (Luke 17:11-19) through a sacrificial gift, she honored our Lord. Even in fear she drew near to Jesus while others scrutinized her every move.

“The perfume was a sweet fragrance to the faithful. But, the hard-hearted complained about the cost, optics, and the lasting effects.” -T.S

In Mark 14:8, Jesus said, “she has done what she could.” She didn’t need permission from the disciples, Pharisees, scribes, or others in attendance. Jesus validated the one who anointed His body to be buried.

Prayerful Encouragement

Perhaps you are a person serving the Lord with your God-given talents. Maybe you continuously encounter stumbling blocks, snide remarks, or hoops to jump through to accomplish a goal. I want to encourage you to pray. Ask God to strengthen you to pour His anointing oil of talents in more places. I decree and declare that God’s Kingdom can expand and that you will be part of His grand purpose. Seek God’s direction with a clean heart, and do not allow the enemy’s schemes to play with your soul.

Point to Ponder

Jesus could have refused Mary’s offering knowing the thoughts of those in the midst. Remember, humans, are faulty and don’t always see the bigger picture. Pay attention and lean into God’s divine wisdom. The sweet fragrance of devotion, respect, unity, and reverence to God is not unnoticed by our Master. Keep moving forward following the footsteps of Christ.

~Torrie Slaughter