The Morrow May Be Too Late - Mark 14:8
The sermon emphasizes the importance of selfless love and kindness, highlighting the contrast between mourning for the dead and bringing comfort to the living.
Bernard Fell preaches on the powerful message of love and devotion exemplified by the woman who anointed Jesus with costly ointment, contrasting it with the superficial gestures made at funerals. He emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and love to the living rather than waiting until they are gone, urging the congregation to break the box of ointment now and spread its fragrance in present lives to uplift and comfort those in need.
Text
She hath done what she could; she is come
aforehand to anoint My body to the burying.
Mark 14:8
'Twas love both pure and tender,
As Jesus sat at meat,
Which braved the heartless critics
With true devotion sweet.
The precious, costly ointment
She lavished on His head
Was treasured for the living,
While others-for the dead.
No kinder words are spoken
Than those around the tomb,
Amassed with floral tributes
Of ev'ry hue and bloom.
Friends pay respect with rev'rence
As eulogies are said,
Expressing deep condolence
In mem'ry of the dead.
Unheard the words well-spoken,
To sleeping ones unblest;
Sweet flowers have no perfume
For those who quietly rest.
Kind tokens of affection
Soon vanish like a dream,
With all the costly beauty
In realms of death unseen.
O break that box of ointment,
Reserved intact for time,
And let its pleasant fragrance
Make present lives sublime.
Then gently smooth life's pillow
To rest the weary head;
'Tis now they need your comfort--
The living, not the dead!
Speak now that word of kindness
To lift a heart oppressed!
'Tis worth more than ten thousand
'Neath shades of death expressed.
Kind acts, like simple posies,
Live on and never fade;
More scented than the roses
Upon the casket laid.
Sermon Outline
- The Value of Selfless Love
- The Futility of Mourning
- The Importance of Living
- Breaking the Box of Ointment
- Spreading Kindness and Comfort
Key Quotes
“Then gently smooth life's pillow to rest the weary head; 'Tis now they need your comfort-- the living, not the dead!” — Bernard Fell
“Speak now that word of kindness to lift a heart oppressed!” — Bernard Fell
“Kind acts, like simple posies, live on and never fade;” — Bernard Fell
Application Points
- We should focus on spreading love and comfort to those who are still alive, rather than just mourning for the dead.
- Selfless acts of kindness can have a lasting impact and bring joy to those around us.
- We should be more mindful of the needs of those around us and strive to be a source of comfort and encouragement.