One of the greatest benefits of being a Christian, is the presence of a God called, God sent, God given minister in your life. Watching for your soul, providing direction and instruction in righteousness, an anointed minister has an immeasurable value.

 God gave us these ministers to help us, lead us, pray for us and at times correct us. Paul writing the church in Ephesus provides insight concerning this truth.  (Eph 4:11-12 KJV)  "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; {12} For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" Notice the wording; “he gave” the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.  Ministers are a gift from God to His people. 

 How could we calculate the priceless treasure we have received by listening to anointed preaching of the word of God? How could you measure the benefit of an anointed prayer, or an encouraging word? How important is a reassuring voice during the loss of a loved one or at times of serious battles in life? These are the times a Pastor for instance becomes a most valuable asset.  

One of the most impacting stories in the Bible is of the woman who poured precious oil on the feet of Jesus.  (Mark 14:1-9 KJV)  "After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. {2} But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people. {3} And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. {4} And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? {5} For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. {6} And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. {7} For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. {8} She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. {9} Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her."

 Jesus declared “let this story be told throughout the whole world.” Everywhere the gospel is preached!  Why this story? Of all the notable events that occurred in Jesus ministry elevate this particular event to equal status with the preaching of the gospel? Take a moment to consider that! Where the gospel is preached – Tell this story!  

I believe it is because this moment had a profound impact on Him personally. He was about to deal with things not as much fun as opening blind eyes, baptisms and blessings. When he walked through the door that day He knew the chief priests and elders had been meeting to plan putting Him to death. Betrayal is in the air.  His mind was focused on the upcoming trial of His passion. He was about to face the most difficult hours of His earthly ministry.

 His shoulders drooping, His steps slow and deliberate, He entered the house of His friends. She saw Him. Maybe it was the look on His face or the slowness of His steps, whatever is was she noticed. She disappeared to a back room somewhere and emerged with a precious alabaster box of ointment. She knelt before Him, removed His sandles, poured the oil on His feet and wiped His feet with her hair.

 Not everyone was happy about it. “A foolish use of the treasury” said one. We could have sold this and gave the money to the poor. Jesus trying to help them grasp the seriousness of the hour said “the poor you always have, but me you have not always.”

 Giving money to the poor is a noble cause. There is many right thing s that could have been done here.  This woman did something not many ever think to do. She ministered to the minister! For one brief moment she strengthened the hands of the one who was saving the world. Jesus said preach it everywhere!

 Wherever the gospel is being preached.  Wherever there is a man of God reaching for souls, we need people who in some form or fashion will take time every once in awhile to minister to that man.  This woman saw beyond her own needs and used the oil to bless the minister.  May God raise up people in every church who will pray for their pastor. People who will bless him financially. People who will in some way serve him and in so doing serve the world.

 Perhaps you could place a thoughtful greeting card with your personal thanks written on it in the offering basket, to let the pastor know how much you appreciate all he does. A small gift from time to time or even a hearty Amen! The next time he is preaching! Anything you do to strengthen him strengthen the entire work. Young men may want to take the pastors car and wash it and wax it from time to time. Polish up his church shoes or make sure he has his favorite drink while preaching. Small things but Jesus said I want this woman’s act of minister told everywhere. He said that for a reason!

 Let us not become spoiled and self centered to the point we love the gift more than the giver, the blessing more then the blesser, salvation more than the savior or ministry more than the minister!

Douglas Klinedinst - International Evangelist

This article may be reprinted in newsletters and magazines provided Doug Klinedinst is listed as the author and the website www.dougklinedinst.com is listed as the source for the article.