Religious Indignation

Religious Indignation
Words of Faith 3-19-24
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2024
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Mark 14
[4] Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? [5] It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.
[6] "Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. [7] The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. [8] She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. [9] I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her."

Someone will always be offended by a great expression of love for the Lord. This is not just a possibility; it is guaranteed. Some were indignant that this expensive perfume had been "wasted" on Jesus. Indignation is never a sign of spiritual health.
This indignation was probably rooted in human jealousy and the fact that no one else had ever done anything to so honor Jesus, even though He had done remarkable things for these people. Suppose you feel indignant at another person's expression of faith. You might want to examine that red flag or check your indignation at the door.
The perfume was a blessing to Jesus, not a waste. He called it a beautiful thing. She did what she could while Jesus was with them. He even prophesied that this would be remembered and told wherever the gospel is preached. He was right. Whether in a medieval church, a Pentecostal revival, a Wycliffe mission, or Internet devotion, wherever the Gospel is preached, she is remembered.
But the criticisms continued. Interestingly, those who raised objections in the name of the poor were not themselves rushing to help the poor. This is often the case. Much indignation in the name of the poor is really a smoke screen. Jesus noted that the poor will always be with us, but don't mistake this for an insensitive statement. He alluded to Deuteronomy 15:11, which urges generosity to the poor, who will always be in the land. One thing of which Jesus could never be accused was insensitivity to the poor! His point was not to minimize giving to the poor but to note the extraordinary nature of this woman's gift and that she had unknowingly anointed him for burial. This woman's expression of love was the only anointing Jesus would receive (Mark 16:1).

Have you found yourself feeling indignant from time to time? Sometimes, we do not know how to handle another person's expression of worship. Or we are shocked by a special gift someone gave or a thing of beauty that was intended purely to honor the Lord. We might even be tempted to point out how much food that money would have purchased in a foreign country. Be careful. The things we become indignant about are sometimes a thing of beauty to the Lord.

Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You. Help me to focus only on my expression of love toward You. Keep me from judging others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2024
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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