Not Just A Memory

Dear Faith Family,

And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her, (Mark 14:9). 

I have a few memories of my PopPop.  He was a man of not many words.  I remember the layout of his Wilmington, Delaware home.  I remember catching bees in pill jars on flowering shrubs in front of his house.  (Of course, it became a competition with my brothers to see who could get the most bees in one pill jar.)  I remember his Chevy sedan complete with an ever-present box of Chiclets.  I can still see him chewing.  I remember loading up in the back seat of his car.  From there I could see the Bible on his dashboard.  Once loaded, my brothers and I would often ask where we were going.  His response never changed, “down Harlens”.  To this day I have no idea where Harlens is, much less how to get down there?! 

Do you remember?  People?  Experiences you shared with people?  Sometimes pictures jog our memory.  Oh yeah, I remember Uncle so and so and that old truck that he drove.  Remember when he threw a piece of firewood through the back window? 

In Mark’s gospel, Jesus provided a snapshot to remember.  It may not be of who you would think.  Mark identifies her as “a woman”.  What did she do that was so memorable?  Well, she broke open a flask of very expensive perfume.  Price tag?  One year’s wage.  (Go ahead, consider writing a check for the amount your 2024 total income.  With it, purchase one bottle of perfume.  Just one!)  And then?  She poured it out onto Jesus’ head.  It certainly proved memorable for some who were spending time with Jesus.  They were indignant!  She could have sold that perfume to help those in need.  In other words, what a waste! 

But Jesus sided with the woman and told the others to leave her alone!  Now that’s memorable.  Might have even stung a bit.  Jesus took it deeper.  She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for burial, (Mark 14:8).  We might expect a “greater character” to be commended and remembered.  But, of all people, Jesus understood and recognized greatness.  This woman gave her best out of a heart overflowing with love for Jesus.  Now that, according to Jesus, is a memory worth remembering. 

So, what will people remember about you? 

Remembering,

Pastor Karl