Desperate Worship: Leaving a Lasting Legacy for God
Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the privilege of worshiping the living God freely and openly, recognizing that this is a gift not to be taken for granted. We are not here to worship an idol, but the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, who is worthy of all our praise. As we reflected on the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10, we saw the contrast between being present in the house of God and truly being in position—actively seeking His face and His presence. Martha was busy with good things, but Mary chose the better part: sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening, and longing for Him above all else. This is the heart of true worship—a desperation for God that cannot be distracted by even the noblest of tasks.
We are living in a time of great distraction, but also a time of great spiritual movement. God is calling us, both individually and as a church, to come up higher and to dig deep wells of revival. Our mandate is to leave a mark on the earth that cannot be erased, to be history makers who shift the course of generations through our worship and devotion. The legacy we leave is not just for ourselves, but for those who will come after us—so that when they enter this house, they will encounter the presence of the King because of the culture of worship we have cultivated.
Looking at the woman with the alabaster jar in Luke 7 and Mark 14, we are reminded that true worship is costly. She poured out her most precious possession at Jesus’ feet, weeping in gratitude for the forgiveness and love she had received. Her act was misunderstood by others, but Jesus honored her, declaring that her story would be told wherever the gospel is preached. Our worship, too, is expensive—it cost God everything to give us access to His presence. We must never treat it as common or routine, but pour out our love and adoration with fresh tears and deep gratitude.
We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us, like Charles Wesley, who left a legacy of worship that still echoes today. It is now our responsibility to continue and deepen that legacy, ensuring that generations to come will know that we were here—marked by our worship, our desperation for God, and our willingness to pour out everything for His glory. Let us be known as a people hungry and thirsty for God, leaving a legacy of worship that will change the course of history.
Key Takeaways
- Being in Position, Not Just on Location: It is possible to be physically present in God’s house yet miss the true position of the heart. Like Mary, we are called to sit at Jesus’ feet, seeking His face and presence above all else. Our preparation and service must be fueled by intimacy with Him, not just activity for Him. Only then can we leave a legacy that truly honors God. [54:00]
- The Desperate Will Be Misunderstood by the Distracted: Mary’s desperation for Jesus was misunderstood by Martha, who was distracted by good things. In our own lives, a deep hunger for God may be misread by those around us, but it is this desperation that draws us closer to His heart. We must guard against becoming familiar with God’s presence and instead cultivate a fresh longing for Him. [54:00]
- Worship Is Costly and Precious: The woman with the alabaster jar demonstrated that true worship is sacrificial and costly. Our ability to worship God freely was purchased at great price—the very life of Jesus. We must never treat worship as routine or common, but pour out our love and gratitude with the awareness of its immense value. [01:06:08]
- Leaving a Mark That Cannot Be Erased: God calls us to make an impact so profound that it cannot be painted over or forgotten. Our worship and devotion are meant to shift the course of history, not just for ourselves but for generations to come. The legacy we build today will shape the spiritual atmosphere for those who follow after us. [50:33]
- Continuing the Legacy of Worship: We inherit a rich legacy from those who have gone before us, like Charles Wesley, and it is our responsibility to continue and deepen that legacy. Our worship should be marked by gratitude, reverence, and a desire to spread the honor of God’s name throughout the earth. Let us be a people known for our hunger and thirst for God, ensuring that our mark remains for generations. [01:11:55]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[43:37] - Honoring Leaders and Family
[44:57] - Reading Luke 10:38-42
[46:20] - Martha and Mary: Distraction vs. Devotion
[47:23] - The One Thing Needed
[50:33] - Called to Be History Makers
[54:00] - In His Face and In His Space
[59:59] - Reading Luke 7:36-38
[01:00:54] - The Alabaster Jar: Costly Worship
[01:01:47] - In the Pour: Legacy of Worship
[01:02:55] - Criticism and Jesus’ Defense
[01:04:24] - Radical Forgiveness, Radical Worship
[01:06:08] - The Cost of Worship
[01:10:14] - Generational Impact and Legacy
[01:11:55] - Charles Wesley’s Hymn and Our Heritage
[01:13:05] - All Glory to God
[01:14:33] - Cultivating a Legacy of Worship
[01:15:40] - Closing Prayers and Blessing
[01:16:28] - A House Marked by Hunger for God
[01:17:14] - Honoring Pastors and the Church’s Legacy
[01:18:23] - Final Worship and Benediction
[01:28:04] - Living a Legacy of Worship
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Leaving a Legacy of Worship
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### Bible Reading
- Luke 10:38-42 (Mary and Martha)
- Luke 7:36-38 (The woman with the alabaster jar)
- Mark 14:3-9 (The anointing at Bethany)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 10:38-42, what are the different actions and attitudes of Mary and Martha when Jesus visits their home?
2. According to Luke 7:36-38, what did the woman do when she came to Jesus at the Pharisee’s house, and how did she express her worship?
3. In Mark 14:3-9, how did the people around Jesus react to the woman’s act of pouring out the expensive perfume, and what was Jesus’ response?
4. The sermon mentioned that “Martha was on location but Mary was in position.” What does this mean in the context of the story? [[54:00]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus say that Mary “has chosen what is better” and that it will not be taken away from her? What does this reveal about what Jesus values most in our relationship with Him? [[47:23]]
2. The woman with the alabaster jar gave something very costly to Jesus. What does her sacrifice teach us about the nature of true worship? [[01:06:08]]
3. The sermon says, “The distracted will always misunderstand the desperate.” Why do you think people who are deeply hungry for God are sometimes misunderstood by others—even by fellow believers? [[54:00]]
4. The preacher talked about leaving a mark that “nobody could paint over.” What does it mean to leave a spiritual legacy, and how is this connected to our worship? [[50:33]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to not just be present in church, but to be “in position”—actively seeking God’s face. Are there areas in your life where you are just “on location” but not truly “in position”? What would it look like for you to move from one to the other this week? [[54:00]]
2. Mary’s hunger for Jesus was misunderstood by Martha, and the woman’s worship was criticized by others. Have you ever felt misunderstood or criticized for your devotion to God? How did you respond, and what can you learn from these stories? [[01:06:08]]
3. The woman with the alabaster jar poured out her most precious possession for Jesus. Is there something valuable in your life—time, resources, comfort—that God might be asking you to pour out for Him? What would it cost you, and what might hold you back? [[01:06:08]]
4. The sermon warned against becoming too familiar with God’s presence and treating worship as routine. When was the last time you felt a fresh sense of awe or gratitude in worship? What practical steps can you take to keep your worship from becoming “common”? [[01:06:08]]
5. The preacher spoke about digging “deep wells of revival” and leaving a legacy for future generations. What is one specific way you can help cultivate a culture of worship in your home, small group, or church? [[01:10:14]]
6. Charles Wesley’s legacy was mentioned as an example. Who has left a spiritual legacy in your life, and how did their worship impact you? How do you want to be remembered by those who come after you? [[01:11:55]]
7. The sermon said, “Our worship is expensive—it cost God everything to give us access to His presence.” How does remembering the cost of your access to God change the way you approach worship this week? [[01:06:08]]
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Let’s pray together that God would increase our hunger for Him, help us pour out costly worship, and use us to leave a mark that cannot be erased!
Devotional
Day 1: Choosing the Better Part—Being in His Presence Above All
There are many good things we can do for God, but nothing is more important than sitting at His feet, seeking His heart, and being in His presence. Like Mary, who chose to listen to Jesus rather than be distracted by preparations, we are called to prioritize intimacy with the Lord over busyness, even when our activities are for Him. True worship and legacy begin when we are desperate for His presence, longing to be in His face and in His space, letting our love for Him fuel all we do. [47:23]
Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Reflection: What is one activity or distraction you can set aside today to intentionally spend time at Jesus’ feet, listening for His voice and seeking His presence above all else?
Day 2: The Power of Pouring Out—Worship That Costs Us Something
True worship is costly and comes from a heart that has been deeply forgiven and transformed. The woman with the alabaster jar poured out her expensive perfume and her tears on Jesus’ feet, unashamed and desperate to honor Him. Her act was misunderstood by others, but Jesus called it beautiful and declared it would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. Our worship, when poured out in surrender and love, leaves a legacy that marks generations and brings glory to God. [01:03:23]
Luke 7:36-38 (NIV)
When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
Reflection: What is something precious or costly—your time, your pride, your resources—that you can pour out before Jesus today as an act of worship?
Day 3: Leaving a Legacy of Worship—Marking Generations for God’s Glory
We are called not just to worship for ourselves, but to leave a mark that cannot be painted over—a legacy of worship that will impact generations to come. Our worship today shapes the spiritual atmosphere for those who will come after us, making us history makers and history shifters. The way we honor God now will cause future generations to encounter His presence and know that we were here, leaving a legacy that glorifies Him. [01:10:14]
Psalm 145:4 (NIV)
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
Reflection: How can you intentionally cultivate a culture of worship in your home, church, or community that will inspire and impact those who come after you?
Day 4: Worship as Our Primary Purpose—Created to Glorify God
Worship is not just an activity, but the very reason we were created. Every opportunity to lift our hands, bow our hearts, and pour out our love to God is precious and costly, made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus. We must never treat worship with familiarity or as just another item on our weekly checklist, but remember that our access to God’s presence was bought at the highest price. Our primary purpose is to glorify Him, and everything else flows from that place of adoration. [01:06:08]
Revelation 4:11 (NIV)
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
Reflection: In what ways have you become familiar or routine in your worship? How can you rekindle a sense of awe and gratitude for the privilege of worshipping God today?
Day 5: Desperate for His Presence—Cultivating Hunger and Thirst for God
God is calling His people to come up higher and dig deep wells of revival, marked by a desperation and hunger for His presence. It is in the secret place, in His face and in His space, that we are filled and empowered to leave a lasting impact. Let us pray for God to increase our desperation, to make us a people known for our hunger and thirst for Him, so that our lives and our church become a beacon of His glory for generations. [01:16:28]
Psalm 42:1-2 (NIV)
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Reflection: What is one practical way you can express your hunger and thirst for God today—through prayer, worship, or seeking Him in the secret place?
Quotes
and after a while maintenance from the ministry of education would come and paint over paint over that yeah they they those young ladies left a mark there but those marks were painted over at this time God is calling us to stand in our responsibility to leave a mark in the earth that nobody could paint over nobody could paint over that mark so great an impact God is calling us calling us to make for his kingdom that it would change the very course of history as we know it forever I'm gonna say that again free port God is calling you and I us and we to make such a powerful impact in the earth for his glory that it would change the course of history somebody turn to the person next to you and tell them you are a history maker [00:50:34] (69 seconds)
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages. My God, it was expensive. And the money given to the poor. And they repute her harshly. Leave her alone, said Jesus. Jesus will always step in and defend the worshipper. Somebody say amen. Leave her alone, said Jesus. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor, you will always have with you. And you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. [01:02:43] (65 seconds)
She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare me for my burial. Truly, let's pay attention to verse 9. Truly, I say to you, truly, I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her. Somebody say legacy. This woman left a legacy of worship. And just like Jesus prophesied, we're still talking about her today. We're still talking about her today. [01:03:47] (41 seconds)
You see, people of God, when we have been radically forgiven, when we have been radically delivered, we become radical worshippers. We become radical worshippers. Pastor C .C. Winans proclaimed, she said, you don't know the cost of the oil in this alabaster box. the deeply forgiven love deeply. Back in Luke 7, the scripture says, Jesus told her, Miss Lady, go your way. Your sins are forgiven. one. Come on. Thank you. [01:04:28] (51 seconds)
And we are responsible, oh God, to cultivate and live and to continue what was started so many years ago. So God, we give you glory. So God, we give you glory. And all praise. We pour out our love on you. Oh, King of kings. Lord of lords. Great Jehovah. Oh God, we pour our love on you. Just like that woman. We pour our expensive worship on you. Why? Because you alone are worthy. You alone are worthy. You alone are worthy. Nobody else. Nobody else. Nobody else is worthy. Nobody else is holy. [01:14:37] (46 seconds)
Freeport Wesleyan Holiness Church. Years from now, a generation is going to cry out, you know, I believe it firmly, a generation is going to cry out and declare that Pastor Jason Burnett was here because of the legacy that was left. A generation is going to proclaim that Pastor Makisha was in the earth because she left a mark and it is evident. They are going to say the people of the FWHC, Freeport Wesleyan Holiness Church, were here and they left a legacy of worship that has marked us forever. People of God, we are history makers and we are history shifters. [01:17:14] (61 seconds)
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