Simon hosted the
Messiah in his home. He doubted Him to
be a prophet. Simon overlooked common hospitality
of the day: no water to wash dusty feet,no kiss of salutation, nor refreshment of anointing oil before the meal.
Jesus knew the hearts & thoughts of both. He commended her faith, recognized her acts
of service expressing great love. He
sent her on her way, reaffirming her forgiveness and blessing her with peace.
Jesus masterfully taught Simon through a parable of
debtors. Simon saw only the sinful past
of the woman-seemingly unaware of his own sinful ways, sins tucked away in the
heart, yet clearly visible through his actions; pride and doubt among them.
Following her example-let us grow in grace, humility,
gratitude, generosity, loving and worship of our Savior. Avoiding Simon’s example-let us be faith-filled, sensitive
& repentant of our own sinfulness, less judgmental, hospitable and aware of
our desperate need for the forgiveness found in Jesus alone.
Find the complete story in: Luke
7:36-50
A well-known Christian song explores the heart of the woman
and our own identity within her story.
Alabaster Box by Cece
Winans
The room grew still as
she made her way to Jesus
She stumbles through the tears that made her blind
She felt such pain
She stumbles through the tears that made her blind
She felt such pain
Some spoke in anger heard
folks whisper
There's no place here for her kind
Still on she came
Through the shame that flushed her face
Until at last, she knelt before his feet
And though she spoke no words
Everything she said was heard
As she poured her love for the Master
From her box of alabaster
I can't forget the way life used to be
I was a prisoner to the sin that had me bound
And I spent my days poured my life without measure
Into a little treasure box I'd thought I'd found
Until the day when Jesus came to me
And healed my soul with the wonder of His touch
So now I'm giving back to Him
All the praise He's worthy of
I've been forgiven
And that's why
I love Him so much
And I've come to pour
My praise on Him
Like oil from Mary's alabaster box
Don't be angry if I wash his feet with my tears
And dry them with my hair
You weren't there the night Jesus found me
You did not feel what I felt
When He wrapped his loving arms around me and
You don't know the cost of the oil
Oh, you don't know the cost of my praise
You don't know the cost of the oil
In my alabaster box
There's no place here for her kind
Still on she came
Through the shame that flushed her face
Until at last, she knelt before his feet
And though she spoke no words
Everything she said was heard
As she poured her love for the Master
From her box of alabaster
I can't forget the way life used to be
I was a prisoner to the sin that had me bound
And I spent my days poured my life without measure
Into a little treasure box I'd thought I'd found
Until the day when Jesus came to me
And healed my soul with the wonder of His touch
So now I'm giving back to Him
All the praise He's worthy of
I've been forgiven
And that's why
I love Him so much
And I've come to pour
My praise on Him
Like oil from Mary's alabaster box
Don't be angry if I wash his feet with my tears
And dry them with my hair
You weren't there the night Jesus found me
You did not feel what I felt
When He wrapped his loving arms around me and
You don't know the cost of the oil
Oh, you don't know the cost of my praise
You don't know the cost of the oil
In my alabaster box
Each moment we have a choice to live one of these examples; which will the world see in you & me today?
Gracious, Loving Father,
Your great love and faithfulness amaze us. Thank you for the precious gift and sacrifice
of Jesus. May we live forgiven and free
to love all. Thank you for the blessing
of abiding peace. May we live as gracious
and generous “kingdom” people. May we
never forget the debt we can never repay-keep us humble, Father.
Through the name of Jesus, Amen
Mischelle Oliver, Stephenville TX
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