In the week following Remembrance Sunday, we ask, what will we be remembered for? The brave men and women who gave their lives in the two world wars and in conflicts since leave a legacy of freedom for many people. What will our legacy be? Read Matthew 26:6-13. Do you know someone who always shows gratitude in everything they do? It is so beautiful! A gift to those around them. Something they will be remembered for.
The woman who anointed Jesus during a meal at Simon the Leper’s house in Bethany certainly showed her gratitude. She is identified in John’s gospel as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. She had much to be grateful for! She was a long-time follower of Jesus, sitting at his feet and learning about the Kingdom of God from him. She believed Jesus was Messiah, the Saviour of the world. Jesus had raised her brother, Lazarus, from the dead.
Her decision to take a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and pour it over Jesus’ head was a sacrifice of praise. In doing this, she was proclaiming who she knew Jesus to be and how thankful she was for his presence in her life. Jesus says it is an act that will be remembered and discussed. Sure enough, here we are nearly 2,000 years later remembering what she did that day. That’s the power of an attitude of gratitude!
We have much to thank God for today too. An attitude of gratitude is contagious. As we show gratitude to God and to others around us, it catches on! Others begin to do it too. People remember someone who shows gratitude to them.
THINK IT OVER
Think about the following:
•What are you grateful for today?
