SHERMAN'S SERMON 2
EXTRAVAGANT LOVE
Have you ever taken the time to reflect upon the extent God has gone in showing His love and care for us? So often we just may perceive just the opposite in that we may think that there are times when God has forgotten all about us and is busy with someone else. I have thought that only to later ask His forgiveness when realizing just all God has done for me and that I am the one indebted to Him---and will be for the rest of my earthly life.
The gospels record some events in the life of Jesus where love and appreciation are shown Him. Often they are done in such fashion that we must ask God to open our eyes to just "see" all that is recorded in these events. One such event s written in the gospels of Mark 14 and Luke 7. Jesus and some of his disciples were at the home of Simon the leper where a dinner was served in honor of Jesus. Both writers record that a woman broke open a container of expensive ointment (alabaster) and poured it over Jesus as an expression of care, admiration and respect. John's gospel states that it would have cost nearly twelve months wages to purchase that same amount of alabaster. Many would call this extravagant. The scriptures also tell us that the woman dried his feet with her hair--an unusual expression--perhaps extravagant. Dr. Dennis Kinlaw interjects a story of that day which highlights this action even more. "A fascinating story appears in rabbinic literature about a woman whose sons all became high priests. She stood quite high within the Jewish community because she had six sons who went into the Holy of Holies. This was a remarkable thing in the history of Israel. When people asked her about her holiness, she said, 'God has favored me because the rafters in my bedroom have never seen my hair unloosed.' a Jewish woman did not loosen her hair except in the presence of her husband Kinlaw, this day with the master, February 20).
In another setting John also records a miracle which Jesus performed. It was near the sea of Galilee where more than five thousand people had gathered to hear Him teach and there was no food except for the lunch of a young boy. That boy gave his lunch to Jesus and Jesus multiplied it to feed more than five thousand. John continues to say that it would have cost nearly eight months wages to purchase enough food for all. Now some might call that extravagant too.
Just as the alabaster ointment had a sweet aroma and the food gave nourishment and hearts were touched in these acts. So it is today. There will always be those who think we have gone too far in our expressions of love for our Savior or that God just may have overdone it just a little, but my friend, what ever we do, lets do it for the glory of God--small or large. Run the risk of being extravagant in your expression of your love for the Savior.
Until next time--God bless you and yours,
Sherman R. Reed