This Woman

"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 26:13 (NKJV)

When Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus' feet and wipes them with her hair, and then breaks a flask of expensive perfume and anoints His head, she is "sharply criticized" (or "condemned") by not only Judas the greedy thief (John 12:4-6), but by other disciples as well (Mark 14:4-5).

Curiously, this prominent event—prophesied by Jesus to be proclaimed through all the world as part of the Gospel—is omitted by Luke's Gospel. Luke, on the other hand, is the only one to include the parallel incident of a "sinful woman" also using her hair to wipe Jesus' feet and anoint them with costly perfume, after she washes them with her tears—the profuse tears of a gratefully redeemed sinner who "loves much" (Luke 7:36-50).

Furthermore, Luke's Gospel is the only Gospel some people hear. The Jesus film, based solely on Luke, has been translated into various languages and presented throughout the world as a succinct method of dramatically presenting Jesus to people who have never heard of Him.

I am inclined to believe that Jesus' prophecy about Mary of Bethany is not inaccurate, and that her story is also told through Luke, though she is identified only as the sinful woman. Luke obviously knew about Mary, since he alone describes the incident when Martha complains to Jesus about Mary. Perhaps in his evident esteem for Mary, Luke chooses to include this previous scene from Mary's life, but purposely omits her name out of sensitivity for her shameful past.

Regardless, both scenes rank among the most beloved Gospel stories. In each story, this woman disregards the scorn of onlookers to humble herself beyond all reason (see "That Mary" post) and extravagantly pours out love and gratitude upon Jesus.

And so Jesus exalted her—just as He promises to do for each of His disciples who seeks not the favor of others, but the favor of God.

"But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
~ Matthew 23:11-12 (NKJV)

Father, we have no words or works sufficient to adequately express the great price You have paid to purchase us. Please enable to do so with great love in our hearts. Please prompt us to seek Your favor alone, trusting You to give us favor with others as pleases You.

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Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Question of the Week: Worldly Fear or Godly Fear?

by Anne Lang Bundy

Image source: science.howstuffworks

What is the difference between worldly fear and godly fear?
~ Russell Holloway, Blog Host
from the post Love is greater than fear

The short answer might be that worldly fear is motivated by self-protective pride and lust (a wide variety of self-indulgences), while godly fear is motivated by godly love. The Bible says that even Jesus experienced godly fear:

... in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.
~ Hebrews 5:7-8 (NKJV)

If my love for another is self-centered, I recognize their potential to hurt me and am likely to limit myself to "safe" expressions of love which cater to the other person and still protect myself.

When my love is other-centered, I see the potential of my weaknesses to do injury to the one I love and have genuine fear of doing so. I am willing, if necessary, to both experience and cause pain if I am assured that doing so gives my loved one what is truly needed. The other-centered love—agape love—which accompanies godly fear values the relationship built up by reciprocal love and seeks to receive it. But agape love is stronger than my desire to experience temporal comfort or pleasure.

Godly fear only begins with the self-protective recognition that my heavenly Father's necessary discipline involves the training and correction which can be painful, and therefore attempts behavior to avoid discipline. (What athlete expects to excel without disciplined training that involves pain and correction?)

Godly fear holds a love for God that understands the injury to Him my sin has caused. Godly fear calls to mind the sufferings of Jesus on my behalf and has a heart which desires to cause Him no more pain.

For all that is in the world—
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life
—is not of the Father but is of the world.
~ 1 John 2:16 (NKJV)

The worldly fear which does not come from God also involves love—disproportionate love for self above love for God and others. Pride wishes self to be built up rather than use the power of God to edify others and exalt God. Lust for personal and temporal gratification does not possess the sound mind which sees the broader perspective of what provides lasting and unified peace among self, God, and others.

You may recall the verse about God offering not worldly fear, but rather power, love and a sound mind. The next verse explains what's also included:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.
~ 2 Timothy 1:7-8 (NKJV)

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This post originally appeared at Bullets & Butterflies. To see ongoing dialogue in comments posted there click here.

What questions do you have about Christianity or the Bible? You're invited to leave them in the comments below (anonymous questions welcome), or email buildingHisbody [plus] @ gmail.com.

© 2011 Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Against the Lord

Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
... He brings the princes to nothing;
He makes the judges of the earth useless...
"To whom then will you liken Me,
Or to whom shall I be equal?" says the Holy One.
Isaiah 40:21,23,25 (NKJV)

The kings of the earth take a stand,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD, and against his Messiah ...
He who sits in the heavens will laugh.
The Lord will have them in derision.
Psalms 2:2,4 (HNV)

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God. ~ Romans 13:1-2 (NKJV)

A massive shift of power is about to take place in our nation. In many Christian circles are rumblings of fear, or anticipation for the beginning of the end. It is perceived that the new governing authorities do not fear God, and will boldly act against the Lord and His people in drastic times.

God alone knows the future and the timing of the end. His Word says authorities are appointed by Him, so whether or not they are against the Lord, they will fulfill His purposes. They have no power to frustrate Him, and efforts to do so elicit His laughter and ridicule.

My pastor once taught that we should obey the authorities unless they command what God clearly forbids, or forbid what God clearly commands. Even in uncertain times, we need not have trepidation if we remember the chain of command.

Almighty King, You alone rule the earth. No power great or small may contend with You. Please give us hearts of faith when doubt knocks. Please keep our eyes on You and on Your will. Please guide us in all our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions in all circumstances.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy

Whose Glory?

This is the way of those who are foolish ...
Like sheep they are laid in the grave;
Death shall feed on them ...
their beauty shall be consumed in the grave,
far from their dwelling. ...
when he dies he shall carry nothing away;
His glory shall not descend after him.
Though while he lives he blesses himself
(For men will praise you when you do well for yourself) ...
Psalms 49:13-18 (NKJV)

"You are the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14,16 NKJV)

Who does not want to do well? To be esteemed, to have a good name, to be shown respect? To perhaps be even admired? It is human nature to desire admiration, even if one is shy and shuns the spotlight.

The child who is a citizen of Heaven is a light like the moon in its glory—a mere reflection of the true Light. Whatever our Creator has put in us that is found worthy is given that it may be used to bring glory to Him alone. Our glory will not endure, but all glory brought to God now will one day be waiting to greet us.

You alone are worthy, oh Lord, to receive glory and honor and power. Thank You for the talents, time and treasure You give us. Show us how they are best used. Please keep us humble, that the resulting glory is Yours alone.

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Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Only One Thing

And he was there in the prison. But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison ... the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper. (Genesis 39:20-23 NKJV)

When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7 NKJV)

The Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." (Luke 10:41-42 NIV)

We continually try to please those around us, whether the motive is self-serving or to love neighbor as self, whether we are truly good or merely indulgent. We want their acceptance, esteem, cooperation—even their love. Only the arrogant completely disregard the perceptions of others.

Yet ultimately, we need please only One. If we walk with the Lord, in His ways, He can give us favor with others. He can make whatever we do prosper. He can make peace with anyone.

Oh Lord, Your love, grace, and favor are amazing. Your wisdom is beyond our comprehension. Your ways are perfect. Thank You for letting us know You. Thank You for Your Spirit’s enablement.

"If we make it our first goal always to please God, it solves many problems at once." — Philip E. Howard Jr.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Who Others See

"You are the light of the world. . . . let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14,16 ISV)

"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them. . . . And when you pray, you must not . . . [pray that you] may be seen by others. . . And when you fast, do not look gloomy . . . [that your] fasting may be seen by others." (Matthew 6:1,5,16 ESV)

Unbelievers may say the Bible contradicts itself. Believers may be divided over differing views. The entirety of God’s Word provides balance. Harmony is often found by simply looking to Jesus and emulating Him.

If the opinion of others guides the manner in which I do good, any esteem I receive proves me self-serving—even when doing what God wants me to do. If motivated by love for my Father and His opinion, what I do is merely His light radiating through me so others esteem Him.

Father, You are the Great and Mighty God who does wonderful things, sometimes through me. Please make me modest so You are visible.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Perilous Times

Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him." . . . Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under. (Matthew 2:13,16 NKJV)

We live in perilous times. Evil prevails in people everywhere, from city thugs to economic bosses, from social voices to the highest realms of government. Many antichrists precede The Antichrist. If I fear man, there is much to fear—for my children even more than for myself. If I fear God, I trust that He is in control, that He sees the most secret plots of the future, that He will direct those who are His, and can protect them from even the most powerful men.

Lord, I confess that I can be intimidated by those who may bring great harm. Please draw me to remain close to You, and abide in the shadow of the Almighty, where I can hear your voice.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Foolishness of the Cross

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." . . . "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:18-19,31 NKJV)

The Old Testament ark represented the presence of God’s glory and power. When it came to be with him, David gave praise "with all his might," gave offerings to God, then gave blessing and food to "the whole multitude of Israel, both the women and the men." Israel’s most glorious and powerful man was then called an inglorious fool by one he loved.

Lord, please make me know the New Testament glory and power of the cross so well that I praise You as eagerly in trials as I do on Resurrection Sunday. Please make me so unaware of both esteem and scorn that I bless others rather than seek honor. Please give me the ability to glory only in You.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy