BE EXTRAVAGANT

DOING THE UNEXPECTED THING!!

This past Sunday our pastor shared a message he titled: The Unexpected Thing.
His sermon was based on Matthew 26; 6-13 where the woman anoints him with the costly perfumed oil. Those who were with Jesus on that day thought this anointing to be an extravagant act, a waste of money. Pouring the costly oil on Jesus body wasn't the expected thing to do. Yet Jesus was the unexpected: He did the unexpected , He taught the unexpected and challenges us to do the unexpected. The Bible verse ends with this scripture" I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." Pastor Johnny challenged each of us to stretch ourselves and get out of the same old rut of always doing the expected "same old same old".

Possibly it was for that reason as I was heading home yesterday afternoon that the unexpected display of love and devotion on the billboard picture caught my attention. I'm sure this man's extravagant act of love for his wife is the talk of the town of North Webster, Ind. What this man did to show his devotion for his wife will surely remain etched in the lives of many who pass by this billboard. It is an example to all of us to do the unexpected. Yes flowers and an elegant meal out is the usually expected anniversary celebration , but soon fade in our memories. Whose to know how far this extravagant act may go in the way other men and women show appreciation to their spouses, children, friends, co workers and even strangers.

Our pastor challenged us to stretch ourselves to be extravagant, to do the unexpected. Maybe it's reaching out to someone we may not know very well, a non Christian, someone we have a problem with or they with us, someone hurting or suffering, someone we are close with but haven't shown our appreciation to lately.You never know what might happen nor how far that unexpected act may go in changing lives. In God's love , steve