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1)# ’God had power to do what he had promised.’
Romans 4:21 (18-25)
And God still does! Despite all the natural odds stacked against them, Abraham and Sarah believed that God would fulfil the promise that he had made to them. They put their faith into action as they played their part, and as a result God’s promised plan of salvation began to unfold. God’s promise of salvation through Abraham’s seed (namely Christ) still stands and by putting our faith in Christ we can be included in the same promised salvation. How amazing is that!
This plan of salvation will be fully realised when Jesus comes again to sort things out and to bring into being a whole new creation. Like Abraham we are called to live by faith, in the reality of this promise. Let’s not let the cares of this world or human reasoning discourage us from trusting God’s call on our lives. Like Abraham, we can live in anticipation of resurrection day and life in a ‘city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God’. Have no doubt, God will do what he has promised.
2)# ’Because the Lord sustains me.’
Psalm 3:5 (1-8)
The well-being of people today is big business. Much is made of the need for good diet and effective exercise. Healthy foods and drinks are advertised endlessly and there are gyms and health clubs in every town. Dieticians and personal trainers are on hand to help motivate us to live well. It’s all part of sustaining a certain lifestyle, as well as a growing industry.
But the Psalmist encourages us to look to the Lord to sustain our well-being. Whilst Christians must honour the Lord with respect to our bodies, the care of our spiritual being is even more important. As the apostle Paul wrote: ‘physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come’ (1 Tim 4:8). When faced with the challenges of life, David realised that confidence in the Lord to sustain him was of more value than simply maintaining a healthy lifestyle. What was true for David can also be true for you and me, today.
3)# ’If you are the Son of God …’
Matthew 4:3 (1-10)
People today are doing just the same as Satan did long ago. They throw out provocative challenges. ‘If God is love, then why all this suffering?’ ‘If God is omnipotent then why doesn’t he sort things out now?’ ’If Jesus is alive then where is he?’ But Jesus is answerable to no one. If he was, then he would cease to be Lord of all. Satan’s arrogance in this encounter was short-lived as he was soundly defeated by Christ, both in the desert and forever on the cross.
There is no ‘if’ about it. As the apostle Peter declared, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’ - and his victory over Satan, sin and death is complete. His resurrection has removed all ‘ifs and buts’. All who willingly bow the knee to Christ as Lord now, will stand with him when he comes again and all of creation, visible and invisible, will acknowledge him as Lord. So let’s live our life in service to him today.
4)# ’Abigail lost no time.’
1 Samuel 25:18 (14-20)
The situation required urgent action. Nabal had seriously insulted King David and four hundred soldiers were on their way to sort him and his household out! It was not Abigail’s fault, but she took responsibility and the initiative. She got together all she could as a peace offering and went to meet David. Her courage and swift action saved her household from destruction and resulted, later, in her becoming David’s wife.
Jesus spoke about the importance of sorting out upsets with other people as quickly as possible (Matt 5:23-24). It’s especially important between brothers and sisters in Christ. Satan is quick to use any opportunity to cause more damage in the Church. Even if it’s not our fault, let’s learn from Abigail’s example, make the first move, and lose no time in putting things right.
5)# ’Not one of all the Lord’s good promises … failed.’
Joshua 21:45 (43-45)
There had been times when things looked bleak. Some years earlier, Joshua and Caleb had trusted God’s promise when other Israelites were nervous of entering the Promised Land. Centuries had passed since God first spoke to Abraham, and now as Joshua and the Israelites settled in Canaan, this statement is made.
And the Lord’s promises still stand. As we’ve seen before, the promises of God can be trusted, and the testimonies of many throughout the Bible and beyond are there to encourage us. Like the Israelites, we may have to go through challenging and testing times, but God will not go back on his promises. To those who trust in him, he promises to be with us, he promises to watch over us, he promises to provide for our needs. His forgiveness, healing and restoration are promised as we come to him in repentance and faith. We may bear the scars of this life, but new and eternal life is promised if we persevere to the end. God’s promises will never fail; we can be sure of that.
6)# ’The battle is the Lord’s.’
1 Samuel 17:47 (45-50)
This makes such a difference when we are ‘up against it’. David stood facing a nine-foot tall, heavily armoured, undefeated Philistine champion. David stood in his everyday clothes with a sling and some pebbles - and with confidence in the God of Israel. There was a spiritual dimension to the Philistine’s challenge and David stood firm in the name of the Lord Almighty, and victory was secured.
Whoever we are and whatever our position, life has its battles. As Christians we have to recognise the spiritual dimensions that can be involved. Yet how often we see things just from a human perspective and rely on our own wisdom and strength. In Ephesians, the apostle Paul writes that our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Satan will use whatever means he can to discredit our Christian life. In Ephesians 6 we are told twice in three verses to put on the ‘full armour of God’ so that we can ‘stand firm’ in the face of attack. No doubt we’ll all face our ‘Goliath’ experiences now and again, but it’s the small things that can trip us up, so we need the Lord’s help every day. Whatever battles we face today, let’s step forward boldly as we declare our trust in the Lord God Almighty.
7)# ’Be faithful, even to the point of death.’
Revelation 2:10 (8-11)
Faithfulness is proved when pushed to the limits. Here Jesus speaks to his Church in Smyrna in the face of opposition. Jesus is not asking them to keep smiling or pretend things are okay. He’s not looking for a packed programme or a way out of the situation. In fact he is asking them to face up to some difficult times ahead - and to remain faithful.
Faithfulness is not about physical might or strength of numbers; it’s not dependent on age or intellect. It’s a matter of resolve and an eye on what is beyond. Jesus promises the ‘crown of life’ for all who remain faithful and that includes you and me. The ‘point of death’ will come to us all in time, one way or another, but the promised crown of life awaits all who remain faithful to Jesus. Whatever else we plan or hope for, let’s remain faithful to Christ our Saviour, no matter what.
8)# ’But David remained in Jerusalem.’
2 Samuel 11:1 (1-5)
This decision must have perplexed Joab and other officials. We’re told that it was a time when kings went to war. David was the most successful of all kings in his day and had routed the armies of many enemies. Now was the time for him to extend and establish further, his kingdom. But whilst his armies went out, he stayed behind. Perhaps he was tired. Maybe he had become too comfortable. Whatever the reason, staying behind led to boredom, which led to temptation, which led to a series of events resulting in devastation and death.
When the apostle Paul warned against giving the devil a foothold (Eph 4:27), this is an example of what he meant. Opting out can leave time on our hands which Satan will look to take advantage of. So it’s best for us to keep active and involved with the Lord’s work, rather than become idle and vulnerable.
9)# ’I am pregnant.’
2 Samuel 11:5 (1-5)
Words that should normally bring joy and delight must have rocked David to the very core of his being. This is the awfulness of sin. It turns what God intends for beauty into ugliness and shame. The consequences of that night of passion were dire and widespread. If only …
But David and Bathsheba are not alone in trying to cover up their sin or shift the blame. It happened in the Garden of Eden and it still happens today. But if there is to be forgiveness and restoration, then sin must be acknowledged and dealt with. Thank God for Jesus who can forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We may have to face some consequences of our wrongdoing, just like David and Bathsheba did, but let’s not try to cover it up. Better still is to avoid sin in the first place.
10)# ’But seek first the kingdom of God…’
Matthew 6:33 (28-34)
We can’t avoid everyday matters like clothes, food and shelter, but we can avoid them taking up too much of our time and attention. It seems that in Jesus’ day there was just as much concern about clothes, diet and lifestyle as there is today. He speaks of the ‘pagans’, the ungodly, who ‘run after all these things’ - just like today. Social media, TV programmes, books and magazines are filled with advice about fashion, food and lifestyle. People are obsessed by what they eat, what they wear or how they live, but ignore the spiritual and eternal matters of life.
So Jesus offers an alternative. If we make living under his rule our priority, then we will have a right perspective on everything else. In fact Jesus goes further and says that he will provide for our everyday needs, when we live with our focus on him and his kingdom.
11)# ’Consider what you have done.’
Jeremiah 2:23 (20-25)
Things were bad in Israel. Yet again God’s people had forsaken him and embraced the gods of the nations around them. Despite the Lord’s faithfulness, his mercy and kindness, his provision and care of them over hundreds of years, they could not resist the attraction of other gods. They had become complacent, taking God’s care of them for granted. Now, with graphic language, they are faced up to what they have done.
We are living in similar times. Biblical teaching is being challenged and compromised, even within some parts the Christian Church. What is wrong, yet acceptable within society is now acceptable amongst some of God’s people. It’s not surprising that society is crumbling. We cannot pretend that God’s words to his people long ago are not applicable to us today. On behalf of ourselves, of the Church and of society, we need to repent, commit to living God’s way and call others to do the same. Let’s consider - and change.
12)# ’Who loved money.’
Luke 16:14 (10-15)
This was a sad characteristic of the Pharisees. It affected their attitudes and actions. It made them into men-pleasers rather than living to please God. Religion had become a profitable business for them and gave them positions of influence as well as a good standard of living. But it had left them ‘detestable in God’s sight’ (v15).
The Apostle Paul warned against the love of money and selfish ambition and Jesus had to rebuke some of the churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, because their focus was on material prosperity and success. We’re all vulnerable, because wealth brings such benefits - but it can also cool our love for the Lord. Paul spoke about the serious damage a love of money can do to Christians in 1 Timothy 6:10 and it applies to us all, however much or little we have. It has been said that ‘giving is a great way to weaken the hold of money on our lives’; and giving reflects the very heart of God. Let’s have open hands to give, rather than to take more for ourselves.
13)# ’But Mordecai would not...’
Esther 3:2 (1-6)
Even under mounting pressure, Mordecai refused to bow down to anyone other than the LORD Jehovah. His refusal to comply with the king’s edict had serious implications for his people as well as for himself. But he did not give in and God brought deliverance through his cousin Esther.
in many countries today, new laws are being brought in that call on us to bow the knee, to comply, to ungodly ways. As the early church had to decide, where there is a conflict between living in obedience to men and obeying God, then we must choose the ways of God.
Mordecai came under pressure to conform and was targeted as a result of his refusal. This is true for many around the world today who seek to follow Christ, and will be true for all Christians sooner or later according to Christ’s own words (Matt 24:9). We need to be alert so that the subtle changes in the laws of the land, that may seem so reasonable, do not lead us to live contrary to Biblical teaching. Mordecai’s determination not to give in is an example for us all to follow.
14)# ’Do this and you will live.’
Luke 10:28 (25-29)
‘One life - live it!’ was a strap line used by the off-road car maker Land Rover to suggest that their vehicles are the best for living an adventurous life. In a similar way, food and fashion brands suggest life will be much better if we use their products. The desire for a better life is in us all.
When asked about eternal life by an ‘expert in the law’, Jesus gives this straight reply. He’s the creator of life and the giver of life, so he should know how best to live life now and for eternity. As he said, ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ So what is ‘this’ that we should ‘do’?
The first ‘do’ is to fall in love with Jesus, with all our being, and let him be Lord of our whole life. The second ‘do’ is to love our neighbours, because of our love for Christ, expressed through service. And ‘neighbours’ include those who we don’t get on with, as this ‘expert’ found out when he unwisely tried to justify himself! Following Christ is a life of giving, rather than taking, That way we’ll inherit eternal life (Mk 8:35). So what about, ‘One life - give it!’
15)# ’He burned the ploughing equipment.’
1 Kings 19:21 (19-21)
God’s call on Elisha affected the whole of his life. The old way of life was now at an end and the burning of the ploughing equipment was an emphatic declaration. He could have stored it, just in case. He could have hired it out to someone else to provide extra income. But no, it had to go along with the oxen.
The Apostle Paul speaks of getting rid of the old life, replaced by the new. So often we try to mix the old with the new, but it simply won’t work. For each of us there is ‘ploughing equipment’ in our lives, that needs to be burnt. Things from the old life that we relied on in the past. There must have been times later on when ploughing fields seemed very appealing to Elisha, especially in the face of some serious opposition. But there was no going back. Getting rid of the old requires determination, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it can be done - and is essential if you and I are to be fully given to live for Christ.
16)# ’Devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.’
1 Timothy 5:10 (3-10)
This is one of the criteria that qualifies a widow for support from her local church fellowship. Notice three things. Firstly is the need for devotion. This is more than a passing whim or a rush of good will. It speaks of effort, focus, perseverance. Something to be nurtured in all disciples of Christ.
Secondly there are ‘all kinds’ of deeds. It’s not a select list of ‘important’ or ‘impressive’ jobs for the few, such as those mentioned, but a wide variety of ‘all kinds’ for the many. This means that all needs can be met and all gifts can be used when we focus on serving the Lord by serving other people.
Lastly they are ‘good deeds’. Doing good will always be of benefit. It may not be the easiest option and sometimes will be misunderstood or even unappreciated, but that which is intrinsically good will be right before God and be a blessing to other people. It’s not just applicable for widows, but applicable for us all, even today.
17)# ’For his compassions never fail.’
Lamentations 3:22 (19-26)
It was another bleak time in the history of Israel. Yet again, they had provoked the Lord by their rebellion and disobedience and as a result Jerusalem had been destroyed, the temple had been desecrated and the people had been exiled. Only a remnant remained amongst the ruined city. Yet in the midst of this despair the writer reflects on the Lord’s ‘great love’ and makes this declaration.
Compassion runs deep and results in action. It is stirred by a cry from the heart. In the gospels we read that Jesus was ‘moved with compassion’ and brought healing and help to those in need. The book of Hebrews tells us that we have a high priest in Jesus who ‘has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin.’ He understands, and his mercy and grace, his forgiveness and healing, his compassion, are still available for all who come to him in faith. The compassion of other people may come to an end, but not so with the Lord. Whatever out situation, whatever our needs, whatever has happened in the past, we can seek help from Jesus. His compassions never fail.
18)# ’King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women.’
1 Kings 11:1 (1-6)
The pull of the heart must never be underestimated. Solomon may have been ‘greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth’, but it didn’t stop him from being infatuated by beautiful women from other nations, who became his downfall. The Lord had clearly warned against intermarriage ‘because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.’ This is just what happened to Solomon and stands as a warning for us all.
Desires of the heart are very strong and can seriously affect our walk with the Lord Jesus if not kept in check. Whether it’s the influence of people, things or lifestyle, whatever takes a hold of our heart can cause problems. Wisdom is not enough. Discipline is needed as well. We live in a world that appeals to our senses, so let’s keep our senses in check and keep Christ as Lord of our lives.
19)# ’Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.’
Matthew 8:8 (5-13)
It sounds so simple, so let’s notice three things about this response. Firstly, we must recognise and respect the Lord’s divine authority. ‘Just say the word.’ His authority is over both physical and spiritual dimensions. Like this centurion, we don’t deserve Christ’s help, but we come in humility and faith, because we know he has authority over each and every situation.
Secondly, we must acknowledge the limitations of human authority. The centurion knows that whilst he can order a hundred men, he has no power over sickness. Our struggle is not against ‘flesh and blood’ but against spiritual forces, so our own strength is not enough. We must have the help of the Holy Spirit if we are to overcome.
Thirdly, we can build on the faith we have. The centurion knew, from his own experience, that faith in authority meant things got done. His soldiers obeyed him because they had confidence, faith, in his authority. With that same faith he comes to Jesus, trusts in his authority and his servant is healed. Let’s follow his example.
20)# ’Next to … ’
Nehemiah 3:4 (1-5)
This phrase is mentioned twenty-one times in thirty-one verses. It describes the way the Jewish people worked together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. There were no gaps. No-one worked in isolation. Each one fitted in with the ones on either side and they all worked for a common goal. They were close enough to encourage, close enough to lend a hand, but each one had their own part to play, their own section of wall to rebuild.
What a lovely picture of how the Church should be! Different gifts, different situations, different jobs but one and the same Spirit, working together for the glory of God and the building of his kingdom. Not isolated or removed, but community and unity in purpose. Let’s not let anything prevent our open-handed working together for the extension of God’s kingdom. Being next to a brother or sister in Christ can stretch across the globe by text, email and social media. Let’s encourage one another today, both near and far.
21)# ’And they took offence at him.’
Matthew 13:57 (53-58)
Many people were following Jesus, but those who had known him growing up found it more difficult to accept him as more than just one of them. As a result they missed out on the blessing and healing that could have been theirs. Familiarity can lead to contempt if we see Jesus as ‘one of us’ more than as our ‘Lord’. Let’s not allow his humanity to lessen his divinity in our eyes.
We can experience a similar response when we seek to witness for Jesus. Talk of him as a good teacher, even a prophet may be acceptable, but to speak of him as God incarnate, can cause offence. But that is who he is and it’s only when we recognise him as Lord God that we will know the power of his Spirit at work in us. Let’s not be persuaded otherwise, but acknowledge Christ as Lord today in what we say and how we act.
22)# ’She put him and his nurse in a bedroom.’
2 Kings 11:2 (1-12)
The swift actions of Jehosheba meant that Joash was saved from certain death. We are not told why Jehosheba acted in this way, but she played a crucial part in getting Joash from the bedroom to the safety of the temple. After six years of secret living in the temple, Joash became king of Judah and ensured that the temple of the Lord was restored. It shows that the Lord uses all sorts of people in all sorts of situations to bring about his particular plans.
The mundane and ordinary can be used to great effect when directed by the Lord. A bedroom, an ox-goad, a trumpet and pitcher, a jar of oil, the list goes on. Our lives are full of everyday incidents and things that the Lord can use for his purposes as we offer each day to the Lord. We just have to be ready to act as soon as he prompts us. Let’s be ready, let’s be willing and let’s be alert today.
23)# ’Yet you remain true to my name.’
Revelation 2:13 (12-17)
Christ is speaking to his Church in Pergamum, a city which had become the centre for emperor worship at that time. The Church was under pressure to compromise, even by some within its own group. Yet Jesus commended those who stood firm, held fast to following Christ even to the point of death, as in the case of Antipas.
But there were some who had accepted false teaching and wrong behaviour and they now faced Christ’s judgement. It’s a warning for us in the Church today. More and more often we are being asked, even pressurised, to accept social and moral changes that are contrary to Biblical teaching. It can all seem very reasonable and even acceptable. But as with the church in Pergamum, staying true to Christ’s name, means staying true to his teaching and that may well be costly. But if we do, then the promised reward will be ours.
24)# ’The LORD reigns for ever.’
Psalm 9:7 (7-12)
Firstly, it is the LORD. Not just any lord, nor any god. It is the LORD Jehovah; the one and only LORD God Almighty. He has no equals, no peers, no rivals. He is my LORD and my God.
Secondly, he reigns. His throne, his authority, his power are established, set in place. He reigns with righteousness and justice. His reign gives comfort and hope for the oppressed and troubled. His reign can be trusted, because he will never forsake us. How reassuring is this when the rulers of this world are so fickle, unreliable and lack integrity.
Thirdly, he reigns for ever. His kingdom has no beginning and no end. It is eternal. ’Rulers’ of this world come and go, but the LORD reigns for ever. And to top it all, we will reign with him when Jesus comes again! Shout it out. The LORD reigns for ever!
25)# ’Jesus looked at him and loved him.’
Mark 10:21 (17-22)
What Jesus saw stirred his heart of love. It’s one of the most poignant moments in the Bible as the crowd wait for Jesus’ reply. It was ‘make or break’ time for this young man and Jesus knew it. The man’s life was exemplary; his enthusiasm unmistakeable; his wealth was considerable. He had a lot to give, but this was the hindrance to his receiving what he longed for. Discipleship is not about how much we’ve got or what we’ve achieved, but about submitting everything to the Lordship of Christ.
True love for the Lord means other loves must go. It was a price too high for this young man. Jesus watched as he walked away. Words can be said quite easily, but discipleship is about action, and actions speak louder than words. We may not have the same issues as this young man, but any aspect of our lives that isn’t submitted to the Lord can potentially hinder our discipleship of him. So let’s take a moment to check our own lives and make sure Christ is Lord of all.
26)# ’Esther won the favour of everyone who saw her.’
Esther 2:15 (15-17)
Esther’s beauty was more than skin deep. After all, she was one amongst many ‘beautiful young virgins’. Whilst she was ‘lovely in form and features’ there was something about her character that appealed to all who had anything to do with her. It was something the Lord used in his plan and purpose. What an example for us all to follow.
We read that the early Church ‘enjoyed the favour of all the people’ and obviously made an impact for good on the local community. The presence of the Holy Spirit within us will produce fruit that will bless those around us (Gal 5:22). Esther was placed in the midst of a challenging situation and was influential for good. Whatever challenges we might face today, let’s allow the beauty of Jesus to be seen in us as we manifest the fruit of his Holy Spirit.
27)# ’Encouraged in heart and united in love.’
Colossians 2:2 (1-5)
Paul has been speaking about his struggles in his Christian life (1:14). He could easily have kept things quiet, but he wants his own experience to be a comfort to others who are going through tough times, like you and me. Just as the Holy Spirit came as the Comforter for all believers (same Greek word as translated here as ‘encouraged’), so we can help one another to keep going and not to be discouraged or deceived.
Discouragement is a main means of attack by Satan and feeling alone in our struggles as Christians will drag us down. But to know that others experience the same challenges will provide mutual comfort, help and support. However, if some claim a superior spiritual position or experience, as some were doing in Colosse (2:16), then that will cause division and break the unity amongst believers. So let’s all recognise our need of the Holy Spirit and also of one another and so encourage and unite the Church of Jesus.
28)# ’He passed away, to no-one’s regret.’
2 Chronicles 21:20 (12-20)
May this not be said of us. King Jehoram’s eight year reign was noteworthy for all the wrong reasons. He had the opportunity and ability to continue the godly reforms that his father Jehoshaphat had started. But he had no regard for others and lived a selfish life, misusing the power given to him. Elijah wrote him this letter summarising his wicked deeds and pronouncing the Lord’s judgement upon him.
Each one of us has opportunities in life. Opportunities in education, opportunities in the workplace, opportunities amongst family and friends. Opportunities to make a difference, for individuals and for larger groups. Whether opportunities are small or great, what’s important is that we make the most of those we are given and use them well, with integrity, for the good of others, as well as ourselves, and for the honour of the Lord Jesus. Let’s not regret missed opportunities, but make the most of those that come our way today, so that we bring glory to the Jesus that we serve.
29)# ’Not consented to their decision and actions.’
Luke 23:51 (50-54)
Perhaps Joseph was absent when the Sanhedrin had taken its decision to sentence Jesus to death or maybe he had been excluded for some reason. Or maybe he had voiced his concern for justice, like Nicodemus had done (Jn 7:50) only to be shouted down. Like Nicodemus, Joseph, as a member of the Jewish Council, knew the cost of public support for Christ. But this had not kept him quiet. We do not know how Joseph’s opposition to the decisions and actions had become known, but known it was, and Luke records it as an encouragement for us all. Now, with renewed boldness, Joseph’s loving and public actions become a key part in setting the scene for the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
There may be times when we have to be careful, aware of the cost of living in obedience to Biblical teaching. But let’s not be so careful that we avoid declaring our obedience to Christ. Whatever our position and influence, we can trust the Holy Spirit to give us the wisdom, courage and boldness to be counted as disciples of Jesus, even when it puts us at odds with the majority.
30)# ’The Lord will do amazing things among you.’
Joshua 3:5 (1-8)
There had been changes in the ranks as well as in the line of command, but not at the very top. Moses and all who had come out of Egypt had now died and Joshua had been called to lead the next generation of Israelites into the Promised Land. But it was the same Lord, who had been with Moses, who was now with Joshua. That’s why amazing things would still happen, because that’s what the Lord does.
You and I may be in ordinary situations, every day routines, but let’s not let them stop the Lord from doing amazing things in us and through us. The ordinary can become extraordinary when the Lord is involved. Like Joshua, it’s all about learning to follow the Lord’s directions and acknowledge him in all that we say and do. Let’s make ourselves available today and see what amazing things the Lord will do, even through us.
31)# ’She has done a beautiful thing to me.’
Matthew 26:10 (6-13)
This lady’s action provoked two different reactions. One was hostile from the majority of those in the room, including some disciples of Jesus. They saw the waste of expensive perfume. They feigned concern for the poor. They saw a rash action. They felt embarrassment. But Jesus felt differently.
Jesus saw the love that others could not see. He saw generosity instead of waste. He recognised the anointing in readiness for what lay ahead. He appreciated the full extent of what this lady had done. She had given her best to Jesus. She had not held anything back. She was not stopped by what others thought or said. She was determined to express her love for the Lord come what may. I wonder how we measure up with this lady. What ‘beautiful thing’ can we do, to show our love for Jesus, today?