Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in
the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her." - Matthew 26:13
Saint Matthew shares a story in his Gospel about a woman who
anointed Jesus with a pound of expensive perfume. It was valued at nearly a
year’s wages. She did this to prepare Jesus for His burial. It was a pivotal
moment in the gospel story. Regretfully, not everyone was excited about
her sacrifice for Christ. Some murmured against her, calling it a waste of
money. But Jesus said that what she did always would be remembered everywhere
the gospel was preached. What a legacy she created in a single act of sacrifice
for Christ!
This story in scripture has always challenged me. Does it challenge you? I
would like to be able to honor Jesus in a way that leaves a legacy for future
generations of gospel hearers. Perhaps you share that desire. Though I am
unable to physically anoint Jesus with expensive perfume as this lady did, if I
prayerfully seek ways to honor Christ on a regular basis, and then at certain
pivotal moments in life, I am willing to make significant sacrifices for the
Lord, God will be able to use those moments to create a gospel legacy for His
glory.
While there are many ways to leave a gospel legacy, one way my wife and I are
trying to do this is by contributing each year to the Baptist
Foundation of New England. Though our gifts are not large, knowing
our gifts are added to the gifts of others and managed in a way that will
produce ministry income until Jesus comes again is very meaningful to us. We
know it will be a legacy that will help future generations hear about
Jesus.
I would urge you to consider doing something similar so that you too can leave
a gospel legacy. If you do not have a favorite charity that does this, I would
be happy to tell you more about the ministry of the Foundation, just email me.
We can all make a difference if we will let the Spirit work through us in ways
that leave a legacy for future generations.
Lord, give us a heart for the next generation and move us to sacrifice for
them. Amen.
———————————
Dr. Terry W. Dorsett serves at the Executive Director of
the Baptist Convention of New England. He has
been a pastor, church planter, denominational leader and author
in New England for more than 20 years. He is a
happy husband, a proud father and adoring grandfather. He is a
cancer survivor and believes that God works powerfully
through times of suffering. He writes extensively and you can find all of
his books at:
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