Unexpected Recompense

[Thompson, Darryl]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for December 17
Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
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Unexpected Recompense

Whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the
Lord. Eph. 6:8. 


In this life our work for God often seems to be almost fruitless. Our
efforts to do good may be earnest and persevering, yet we may not be
permitted to witness their results. To us the effort may seem to be
lost. But the Savior assures us that our work is noted in heaven, and
that the recompense cannot fail. 

The poor widow who cast her two mites into the Lord's treasury little
knew what she was doing. Her example of self-sacrifice has acted and
reacted upon thousands of hearts in every land and in every age. It has
brought to the treasury of God gifts from the high and the low, the rich
and the poor. It has helped to sustain missions, to establish hospitals,
to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and preach the
gospel to the poor. Multitudes have been blessed through her unselfish
deed. And the outworking of all these lines of influence she, in the day
of God, will be permitted to see. So with Mary's precious gift to the
Savior. How many have been inspired to loving service by the memory of
that broken alabaster box! And how she will rejoice as she beholds all
this! 

"Verily I say unto you," Christ declared, "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." Looking into the future, the
Savior spoke with certainty concerning His gospel. It was to be preached
throughout the world. And as far as the gospel extended, Mary's gift
would shed its fragrance, and hearts would be blessed through her
unstudied act. Kingdoms would rise and fall; the names of monarchs and
conquerors would be forgotten; but this woman's deed would be
immortalized upon the pages of sacred history. Until time should be no
more, that broken alabaster box would tell the story of the abundant
love of God for a fallen race. 

Every impulse of the Holy Spirit leading men to goodness and to God is
noted in the books of heaven, and in the day of God everyone who has
given himself as an instrument for the Holy Spirit's working will be
permitted to behold what his life has wrought.


>From Maranatha - Page 359