Acceptance of the Heart
Bishop F. D. Huntington. Mark 14:8 She has done what she could: she is come beforehand to anoint my body to the burying. In many aspects this is one of the most encouraging expressions of our Lord. It was uttered in defence of a woman who ventured to approach Him under the unceremonious impulse of affection, destitute, so far as we know, of any recommendation from family circumstance or social distinction, but urged solely by an irresistible longing to do something, however humble or irregular, in behalf of this Divine friend, who has gained the unutterable, enthusiastic devotion of her soul. I. THIS ANSWER OF OUR LORD'S PLAINLY AND POWERFULLY ASSERTS THE SUPERIOR WORTH OF THE HEART'S FEELING OVER ANY OUTWARD ACTS. The very form of the expression implies that, in one sense, she had done but little. Yet that little was enough. It was a test of her sincerity. It said distinctly that she was in earnest. It demonstrated the deep and tender attachment of her soul. One penny's worth, if it is only the utmost that self-denial can do, is as good for that as ten thousand shekels. The whole spiritual meaning of gifts consists in the disposition of the giver. II. THESE WORDS BESTOW A BLESSING ON THE FEELING OF PERSONAL AFFECTION TOWARDS CHRIST. Have you ever had that mingled sense of gratitude and love towards a person which made you long, above all things, to find out some way of serving him, and made it a positive pain to be denied that privilege? Did Christianity not provide an outlet for this feeling, it would fail to secure a practical hold on human sympathies. III. THESE WORDS AFFIRM, FOR TRUE GOODNESS, A COMPLETE INDEPENDENCE OF PLACE. Acceptance with God is as possible in small fortunes, or limited reputations, as in influential and powerful circles. No one, therefore, is excused from doing "what he can," nor is there one to whom the whole infinite wealth of Christ's favour is not offered. IV. ABILITY IS THE MEASURE OF RESPONSIBILITY. No soul is tasked beyond its power. God's commandment never passes the line of a possible obedience, and so never goes over from justice to tyranny. What we fail to render in actual work (through our human frailty), He mercifully permits us through Christ to make up in those penitent and self-renouncing affections which gain forgiveness and open the way of reconciliation. Still, let us solemnly ask ourselves, even after making allowance for this, Have I done what I could? Has my service to the Master reached the full measure of the powers and gifts, the capacities of affection and the opportunities of well-doing, with which my Master has entrusted me? V. TAKE THESE THREE THOUGHTS AS THE PRACTICAL SUBSTANCE OF THE SUBJECT. 1. This saying of Jesus is dangerously perverted and shamefully abused, if we take it as excusing us from the utmost effort in well-doing, and a laborious progress in Christ's service. We must summon into the Master's service every power, every energy, every affection, every hour of life. No laxities, and no apologies. Nothing less than entire consecration is demanded of us. 2. In order to serve Christ acceptably, we have not to revolutionize our lot, nor to seek other conditions than those Providence supplies. The place is nothing; the heart is all. 3. There is no service thoroughly right which does not directly acknowledge and honour the Saviour. The heart's offering to Him is the beginning of all righteousness. (Bishop F. D. Huntington.) Parallel Verses KJV: She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. WEB: She has done what she could. She has anointed my body beforehand for the burying.