Do What You Can

The message was brought by Rev. Eddie Foster on July 16, 2023.

March 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. 4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. 6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. 7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. 8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. 9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

To get the entire story, read the accounts in the other gospels as well. Jesus was at the home of Simon the leper, probably healed at an earlier time. Martha was serving. Lazarus was present. Mary took a box of ointment and wiped the head and feet of Jesus. She wiped his feet with her hair. This was a costly ointment, and her actions proved she thought nothing was too good for her Lord. Only kings were anointed in this manner. She was saying “this is my Messiah and King.”  Some people were upset. Judas complained that it could have been sold and given to the poor, but he wasn’t really concerned about that.  Jesus said “let her alone” and commended her saying “she hath done what she could.”  Compared to other acts this doesn’t seem like much, but the Lord esteemed her work highly. Sometimes we wrongly esteem things. We must remember Jesus looks at the motives behind what we do. Does it glorify God?  If so, he takes notice of it. However, when a person looks for the approval of others, he/she has their reward.

God doesn’t expect us to do what others do. A chicken won’t lay an ostrich egg. What God calls us to do he’ll equip us to do it. Few will play the piano like Donna and Barbara. Some may not be able to sing, but we all can do something. Use the talent God has given you. He’s been good to us and we should praise him. To do less than our best is a sin.  Let’s do the best we can.

Anytime you try to do something there will be some to criticize. Judas did in this situation, even criticizing Jesus for letting her do it. We’ve not reached perfection. God’s still working on each of us. James says our tongue is destructive. People are destroyed by its use. There can be terrible results to criticism. People don’t usually handle it well. The young Christian can stumble. Constant criticism doesn’t speak well of those who do it. It gives Christianity a bad name to the outside world. Instead let’s pray for each other and remember none of us is perfect. We are to have love for each other. Strive ends where there is no division. What do you do if you’re criticized? If it’s unjust, it could be the result of jealousy. Just keep on going, looking to yourself to see whether it was warranted. 

It was said of Mary “she hath done what she could.”  It was in her hand to do and she did it.  Matthew 25 gives us the details of helping Jesus when he was thirsty, hungry and sick.  When we help others, we should do it as unto the Lord.  Do what you can today.  It may be beyond your reach tomorrow. The person you could have helped could be dead. You may not be able to help. Do what you can and don’t give place to the devil.

Mary’s work was given an eternal memorial. What you and I do will as well. Draw near to God. Think about it. Are you using your talents and abilities for the Lord as you should?