And behold,
a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining
at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and
standing behind him at this feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her
tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed
them with the ointment. Luke 7:38
(English Standard Version)
Jesus was
not popular with the religious leaders of his day. They ridiculed him, lied about him, and
plotted to embarrass him. They would
ultimately murder him and call it capital punishment.
The above
scripture isn’t about the Pharisee who may have invited Jesus to his home to
entrap him. It’s about a prostitute who
had probably been among the crowds of people who heard Jesus preach. His words gave her hope. His message changed her. She
came to him a sinner; penitent, humble, heart overflowing with gratitude for
the way his unconditional love changed how she saw herself. Her tears say it all.
God has
always taken disobedience seriously, but he is equally serious about his love
for us. We are his first priority. How amazing is that?
Jesus did
nothing wrong yet he allowed himself to be executed for our lawlessness so we
could live. That act in itself elevates
the worst sinner to a kinship with the King.
Jesus changes hearts. He changes lifestyles,
and ultimately destinies. His life,
death, burial and resurrection changes everything.
Pray with
me:
“Father in
Heaven, like the woman with the alabaster flask of expensive ointment, I weep
with gratitude because of your priceless gift of salvation. I know you love all of me, strengths and
weaknesses. Because you love me as I am,
and because your arms are always open and welcoming, I want to give you my best
self every day. I love you back. Amen.”
Sandra
Milholland – Abilene, Texas
