A few years ago there was a true story about a man in New York City who was kidnapped. His kidnappers called his wife and asked for $100,000 ransom. She talked them down to $30,000.
The story had a happy ending: the man returned home unharmed, the money was recovered, and the kidnappers were caught and sent to jail. But, don’t you wonder what happened when the man got home and found out his wife got him back for a discount? Can you imagine what the negotiations must have been like: “A $100,000 for that old guy? You must be crazy. Just look at him! You want a $100,000 for that! You’ve got to be kidding. Give me a break. $30,000 is my final offer.”
Now you have to admire the wife’s savvy negotiating skills. Her bluff paid off, but I keep putting myself in the husband’s place. I’d like to think that if I were in a similar situation, there would be people who would spare no expense to get me back. They wouldn't haggle over the price. They wouldn’t have to think about it. They would do whatever it took. The point is there are times when it is OK to be extravagant.
There is a story in the gospels (Matthew 26: 6-13) where we see that kind of extravagant giving. Jesus is at the house of Simon the Pharisee having dinner. A woman of the street (a prostitute) comes in and bathes Jesus feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. Then, in an act of extravagant love, she breaks the alabaster jar of perfume she carries around her neck and pours out the entire contents on Jesus. It is perhaps the most expensive, valuable thing she possesses. Yet, she gives it all in an act of unselfish affection.
I was reminded this weekend of the unselfish, extravagant sacrifice of our career missionaries. People like Drs. Dan and Joan Jones, our missionary speakers, are doing amazing work at an incredible personal cost. And yet, like most missionaries I know, they don’t think they are doing anything special. They are just obeying the Lord that they love.
The thought that I can’t seem to escape is this one: How much am I willing to give to see the kingdom advanced? Not just my money, but my time and energy as well. Am I trying to negotiate a better deal with the Lord, or am I willing to give extravagantly and obey with unrestrained abandon? I believe God is calling us as a church to new levels of sacrifice and service. Let’s decide in advance to be obedient to His call.
Have a great week!
Pastor Barry
P.S. Our faith Promise total so far is just over $20,000.
P.S.S. Don’t forget our Dinner & Movie Fellowship this coming Saturday night. Dinner is at 6:00 PM and we’ll be showing the movie (The Blind Side for adults and Marmaduke for kids) at 7:00 PM. Please call the church office (885-1804) or e-mail (parkwayinfo@comcast.net) to let us know you are coming. Don’t miss the fun!
The story had a happy ending: the man returned home unharmed, the money was recovered, and the kidnappers were caught and sent to jail. But, don’t you wonder what happened when the man got home and found out his wife got him back for a discount? Can you imagine what the negotiations must have been like: “A $100,000 for that old guy? You must be crazy. Just look at him! You want a $100,000 for that! You’ve got to be kidding. Give me a break. $30,000 is my final offer.”
Now you have to admire the wife’s savvy negotiating skills. Her bluff paid off, but I keep putting myself in the husband’s place. I’d like to think that if I were in a similar situation, there would be people who would spare no expense to get me back. They wouldn't haggle over the price. They wouldn’t have to think about it. They would do whatever it took. The point is there are times when it is OK to be extravagant.
There is a story in the gospels (Matthew 26: 6-13) where we see that kind of extravagant giving. Jesus is at the house of Simon the Pharisee having dinner. A woman of the street (a prostitute) comes in and bathes Jesus feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. Then, in an act of extravagant love, she breaks the alabaster jar of perfume she carries around her neck and pours out the entire contents on Jesus. It is perhaps the most expensive, valuable thing she possesses. Yet, she gives it all in an act of unselfish affection.
I was reminded this weekend of the unselfish, extravagant sacrifice of our career missionaries. People like Drs. Dan and Joan Jones, our missionary speakers, are doing amazing work at an incredible personal cost. And yet, like most missionaries I know, they don’t think they are doing anything special. They are just obeying the Lord that they love.
The thought that I can’t seem to escape is this one: How much am I willing to give to see the kingdom advanced? Not just my money, but my time and energy as well. Am I trying to negotiate a better deal with the Lord, or am I willing to give extravagantly and obey with unrestrained abandon? I believe God is calling us as a church to new levels of sacrifice and service. Let’s decide in advance to be obedient to His call.
Have a great week!
Pastor Barry
P.S. Our faith Promise total so far is just over $20,000.
P.S.S. Don’t forget our Dinner & Movie Fellowship this coming Saturday night. Dinner is at 6:00 PM and we’ll be showing the movie (The Blind Side for adults and Marmaduke for kids) at 7:00 PM. Please call the church office (885-1804) or e-mail (parkwayinfo@comcast.net) to let us know you are coming. Don’t miss the fun!
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