There were many people around Jesus who did not understand His perspective of a lifestyle of giving. This is evidenced in the account when a lavish offering was given to Jesus:
Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, ‘Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.
But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.’
(John 12:1-8 NKJV)
This offering was given to Jesus by Mary, the sister to Lazarus. The value was equal to an average worker’s salary for an entire year. This was a wealthy woman who gave an extravagant and seemingly unreasonable offering directly to Jesus. It was not something He needed, yet He still received it.
The disciples, however, criticized her sharply for her extravagance. They considered it a waste to use this expensive oil on Jesus. Judas took his criticism to another level. He said this should have been sold and given to the poor. His motive was not his love for the poor. He was a thief, and his heart was governed by dishonesty.
This same criticism can be heard today, and for the same reason. Carnal-minded people often fail to see the value of giving to ministries and ministers of God. It is often viewed as a waste of money, and even manipulative. Yet, the same motive that governed Judas governs their hearts also. They may not be stealing from the offerings, but they are thieves by failing to honor God with their own offerings. Malachi 3:9-10 says we rob God when we fail to give our tithes and offerings to God.
Jesus did not view this woman’s offering as extravagant or wasteful. But instead, He viewed it as a spiritual offering from Mary’s heart. It would also become the connection that would link her to the blessing because she had activated the law of God.
Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38 NKJV).
When we give our offerings, we can activate the same law of God that Mary activated that will connect us to the blessing. Give an offering from your heart like Mary and activate the law of God.
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Vikki and Dennis began as youth pastors in 1973 in Southern California where they received tremendous insight into the work of the local church. In 1976, they moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Vikki worked with KCM for three years before entering full-time ministry with her husband. Since that time, their relationship and involvement with Kenneth Copeland Ministries has continued. Vikki and Dennis have had numerous articles published in the Believer's Voice of Victory magazine.
Vikki has spoken in several nations including Australia, Japan, and Canada. She has ministered on television, radio, in women's conferences and marriage seminars. Her desire is to see people raised to a higher level of living through the Word of God. By acting on Gods principles, Vikki has obtained a testimony of victory and imparts encouragement to others.
Throughout the years, Vikki and Dennis have pursued new avenues of reaching people. The Lord has continued to expand their vision. Their dedication has affected thousands as they are impacting God's people with the love of God.