We just witnessed the Power of God on a young man from Nain. Jesus raised him up from the dead. He makes us come alive. He opens our mouths in praise. Now, here's an adulterous woman whom He has made alive again. She's free!
Uninvited, the nameless woman comes to Simon, the Pharisee's home, knowing there was a dinner being held for Jesus. There are good reasons for thinking that the other three gospels describe a different story in their gospels than this story in Luke. The other gospels refer to an incident in the last week of Jesus' life. Luke refers to this dinner happening much earlier on. This unnamed young girl wet His Feet with her tears and watched the dirt roll down his skin. Tears flowed freely. Tears of Repentance but no voice. She spoke not a word. And I must ask: Are my tears ones of Repentance over the sin in my life? Or am I just sad that these things are happening to me? And if I hold no tears then I must ask why...
It was a public dinner, so the uninvited woman could slip in for a look at her Savior. There were benches along the walls in the homes of the important for passers-by to come in uninvited and unaddressed and unnoticed and unannounced and unwelcomed to demeaningly sneak a peek at royalty.
This woman with no name, no voice, had a debt. She had lived a life of sin, wielding perfume as her weapon. Jesus was all about paying that debt for her. She used the perfume that she wore to seduce men but to this Man-God she used the fragrance to surrender and kiss, not His Face, but His lowly Feet, and diffuse the fragrance over Him, over the world who reads and still smells.
His Timeless Words of forgiveness are to a stranger, a sinner, a soul touching Him in places that sinful women shouldn't go uninvited. Simon the Pharisee stands up: "You should know, oh Prophet, what sort of woman is touching you---a sinner, a Woman of the City." Do we ever act like we are above people?
Jesus' reply to Simon, The Pharisee: You gave me no respectful kiss. You didn't wash my blemished feet. You didn't anoint me with any fragrance.
Jesus' reply to the Sinner: "Your sins, which are many, are forgiven...She who is forgiven little, loves little." This woman loved her Savior much in this intrusion. Luke 7:47 You have been forgiven so much!
Wordless. Worship. No-Name. No-Voice. Silence. Surrender.
So, where are my repentant tears? Why the dry eyes?
Today's reading reminded me of my mother and the many times she told me she was sure she was going to Hell because of so much guilt she carried around. She was frustrated because of it and took it out on those she loved most. I tried to communicate His truth to her and how He forgives but I'm not sure she really "got" it until the end of her life. She was very lonely because she ran off so many people because of her guilt, anger (hurt) and frustration. It still makes me sad when I think about it. This story is probably my favorite part of the entire Bible. I can relate so much. I love how Beth Moore helped me understand it.
ReplyDeleteMy prayer this Sunday is that I never act like I am above anyone...
Bev, I can't get you off my mind. I wish I had words to express my admiration for how much your life has Glorified Him these past two years since I've known you. Thank you for your obedience in the midst of it all. Wish I could look into those beautiful eyes and give you a hug!
Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much.
ReplyDeleteIf I could choose words for my epitaph, this is what I hope people would write:
She loved much.
It's the only response to a forgiven life. My sins which are many are forgiven.
May I respond in pure worshipful love.
Bev, your last question stops me cold. "Why the dry eyes?"
Welcome back, Angie!! I have missed you! Thank you for letting us peek into your life this last week with your sister's family-probably why you are thinking about your mom this morning. Thanking Him for letting you know that your mom did understand in the end that He loved her!
ReplyDeleteHumility is so lacking in the society most of us live in. And with the lack of humility also shows up as control freaks making sure we do it right. The sinful woman who comes and says no words, but acknowledges her sins and exhibits her gratefulness to God with her tears and washes the feet of Jesus and poured the fragrant expensive perfume on Jesus head as an act of obedience yes, this silent, wordless, worship and surrender to His will and not hers.
ReplyDeleteJesus help me turn loose of the control I think I have which is a lie from the enemy. May I be aware more often of just coming to you and saying "Here I am" then be still and quiet and wait for Your Divine Direction for the day or whatever is left of the day. I am the sinful woman help me to dig deep and allow the tears to flow. I am seeking forgiveness and bow with honest humility before your throne. I desire to live a life to Glorify the Holy name of Jesus while still an alien on this planet. Lord Jesus I come to you just as I am.
This is a Song I must Sing, Sylvia