Power Evangelism

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
(Mat 26:13)

We know of Mary’s act in the things surrounding her actions; in terms of it being the outworking of her love because of the much forgiveness she received (Luke 7:47). There was a lavish sacrificial expression in breaking the alabaster flask of costly ointment. The incident recorded for us in John 12:2-8 tells us that it was anointing for His burial. The women who went to the grave early morning hours (Mark 16) didn’t have the privilege to do so. Only Mary did have the privilege. This act that Mary carried out was prophetic in nature. So powerful that it was a memorial of her that is linked to the preaching of the Gospel.

We know that this memorial is because she was one who poured out to the Lord. A poured out life is precious to the Lord. In Scripture we read of David, Paul, and Mary and of course Jesus poured out before the Lord. Pouring out is a non reversible offering that is not required as per any commandment outlined on sacrifices in Leviticus. It is an offering that once poured out, it is given in totality without reservation. Albeit not commanded, but with great acceptance by the Father.

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
(John 17:21)

I personally believe that the secret to Mary’s act (David, Paul and Jesus) was because there was that oneness with the God. As the ointment was only reserved for the bridegroom, so this act by Mary speaks of an intimacy so deep, precious and holy that only can be understood between two. There is such an oneness in the act that the one pouring out everything is oblivious to the surroundings. It is a lonely journey at the risk of people’s questioning and rebuke. Mary just did what she knew she had to do, despising the shame. That is why for Jesus it is a personal joy that He carried within that caused Him to endure the cross (Heb 12:2).

The act of pouring out is not just despising the shame, but it is a sacred act. Oneness in marriage cannot and should not be shared with another. So is our oneness with Christ. So much an important requirement that God has upon His redeemed that Jesus had to pray this in His High Priestly prayer. It takes a powerful prayer of Jesus to achieve this oneness. We can’t strive to attain it; we just receive as an answer to His prayer.

Today power evangelism is so much surrounded on the external in ‘great’ worship, ‘anointed’ speakers and ‘awesome’ miracles. Not implying that these are not bringing people into the Kingdom. There are those in these ministries who lived poured out lives before the Lord. On the flip side, power evangelism in Jesus’ perspective is when it's a memorial built that the very Heaven’s will recognize. Instead of memorials reflecting acts of man which may down play the act of God. For it takes an act of God to achieve oneness with Him.

Oneness with Christ is a lonely life to live because it is lived for God alone to see, not man. Oneness with Christ is life of joy where pride has died in order to have the power to despise shame. Oneness with Christ is when the world will know that He has sent us and not man. It is goes hand in hand with the preaching of the gospel leaving behind a memorial that God’s cherishes for eternity... this carries a heavenly power in evangelism.