Tuesday Reflection: 'The Anointing in Bethany'
By Lt. Colonel Bob Halliday
Introduction:
There are times when only love’s extravagance can meet loves demands
Band: Hymn tune arrangement of the hymn tune Fewster
The band piece only has the tune 3 times, there are 4 verses in the song and so another arrangement is included here (blue box to the right) for you be able to sing the whole song through.
The words of the song help us in our attempt to understand the mind of Jesus in his journey toward Calvary. Did he see his future in every turn of the path as the song suggests? We will never know. What is clear is that at the house of Simon the leper in Bethany he told the disciples that the extravagance of the woman was ‘the anointing for his burial’
The words of the song help us in our attempt to understand the mind of Jesus in his journey toward Calvary. Did he see his future in every turn of the path as the song suggests? We will never know. What is clear is that at the house of Simon the leper in Bethany he told the disciples that the extravagance of the woman was ‘the anointing for his burial’
Click on the small arrow on the right of the bar below to hear the track.
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If you prefer to sing the song then click on the image to the right and follow the International Staff Band as they sing this lovely song.
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Bible Reading: Matthew 26:6-13 (New International Version)
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Click on the centre of the image and the Bible reading will be read to you.
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On the point of extravagance William Barclay notes ‘It shows that there are times when the common sense view of things fails. On this occasion the voice of common sense said, “What Waste!” and no doubt it was right. But there is a world of difference between the economics of common sense and the economics of love. Common sense obeys the dictates of prudence; but love obeys the dictates of the heart. There is in life a large place for common sense; but there are times when only love’s extravagance can meet loves demands. A gift is never really a gift when we can easily afford it; a gift only becomes a gift when there is sacrifice behind it, and when we give far more than we can afford.’
Songsters: - It Must Be Love – Babbie Mason
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Why would you, the God of greatness, Simply love someone like me? And how could you so pure and perfect, Know my faults yet meet my needs? I'll never know or understand, Just what you see in me. My mind is amazed, to think your plan, Includes me for eternity. 
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2 You keep turning my curses, into blessings, That's your love and nothing else. Forgiving my sins, and then forgetting. That's your love and nothing else. If I could give my everything it wouldn't be enough. For every good and perfect gift Is more than I deserve. |
So where does the story leave us. We were not witnesses to such an uninhibited demonstration of love – an act that, according to scripture would be remembered until the end of time (and it has already lasted for more than 2000 years).
You don’t have to look far today to see simple selfless acts of love in our community, in our country and throughout the world. The terrible affect of the Covid19 has brought a spotlight on the very best of humanity as thousands of people are serving their neighbours, their communities, caring for one another, friend or stranger. Extravagant love. This is a love offering to God, whether the participants are aware of it or not. ‘In as much as you have done it unto them, you have done it unto me’.
You don’t have to look far today to see simple selfless acts of love in our community, in our country and throughout the world. The terrible affect of the Covid19 has brought a spotlight on the very best of humanity as thousands of people are serving their neighbours, their communities, caring for one another, friend or stranger. Extravagant love. This is a love offering to God, whether the participants are aware of it or not. ‘In as much as you have done it unto them, you have done it unto me’.
Prayer:
Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
Forgive our foolish ways;
Reclothe us in our rightful mind;
In purer lives thy service find,
In deeper reverence, praise.
Lord, in these times of uncertainty, sickness and fear help us to trust in you and remember that you are truly God and that our refuge is in you.
We thank you for your love that is demonstrated in the lives of thousands of people, people who are willing to serve our community, help their neighbours, continue to work in essential services and especially those in the health and care services. May they be strengthened, protected and encouraged in their service.
Most of all Lord we thank you for the grace that is offered to us each day, grace that sustains, strengthens and forgives us; and in that grace may we be used by you to reach out to others that we may be instruments in demonstrating your extravagant love. This we ask in the name of your Son and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen
Forgive our foolish ways;
Reclothe us in our rightful mind;
In purer lives thy service find,
In deeper reverence, praise.
Lord, in these times of uncertainty, sickness and fear help us to trust in you and remember that you are truly God and that our refuge is in you.
We thank you for your love that is demonstrated in the lives of thousands of people, people who are willing to serve our community, help their neighbours, continue to work in essential services and especially those in the health and care services. May they be strengthened, protected and encouraged in their service.
Most of all Lord we thank you for the grace that is offered to us each day, grace that sustains, strengthens and forgives us; and in that grace may we be used by you to reach out to others that we may be instruments in demonstrating your extravagant love. This we ask in the name of your Son and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen
Band: Worthy is the Lamb
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Click on the small arrow on the right of the bar to the right to hear the band.
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Thank you for the cross, Lord,
Thank you for the price you paid. Bearing all my sin and shame, In love you came and gave amazing grace. Thank you for this love, Lord, Thank you for the nail-pierced hands. Washed me in your cleansing flow, Now all I know, your forgiveness and embrace. |
Worthy is the Lamb
seated on the throne. Crown you now with many crowns, You reign victorious. High and lifted up, Jesus, Son of God, The darling of Heaven, crucified. Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb |
Song: Salvation Army Songbook 204 - There is a Redeemer
Click on the image below sing along with the band.
Songsters: Rest in Me - Ian Feltwell
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Listen as the Songsters bring you this lovely song. It was recorded during our Sunday Morning Worship on 20th January 2020. Click on the image to the right to start the recording.
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Benediction:
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know his love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
Amen
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know his love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
Amen