Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

"This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
 
2 Sam. 12:1-10,13
Galatians 2:11-21
Luke 7:36-50
Psalm 32
 
Jesus was eating a meal at the home of an upright and distinguished Pharisee. (What a scandal it was). The festivities were suddenly interrupted by a woman, a sinner. The social and religious rules of Jesus' day branded this woman as ritually unclean and morally impure. Because of this, she was untouchable. As those gathered watched in disbelief, the woman lavished upon Jesus an extravagant show of gratitude, hospitality, and honor. She went far beyond the usual customs of . . .

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

"This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
 
2 Sam. 12:1-10,13
Galatians 2:11-21
Luke 7:36-50
Psalm 32
 
Jesus was eating a meal at the home of an upright and distinguished Pharisee. (What a scandal it was). The festivities were suddenly interrupted by a woman, a sinner. The social and religious rules of Jesus' day branded this woman as ritually unclean and morally impure. Because of this, she was untouchable. As those gathered watched in disbelief, the woman lavished upon Jesus an extravagant show of gratitude, hospitality, and honor. She went far beyond the usual customs of her culture. Instead of simple water, the woman used her tears to wash Jesus' feet. Instead of a towel, she used her hair. Instead of kissing Jesus' cheek, she kissed His feet. Instead of pouring simple oil over Jesus' head she poured expensive perfume on His feet.
 
But the greatest scandal was not that Jesus allowed this woman to touch Him. The greatest scandal to the deeply religious onlookers was that Jesus extended God's grace to her with His words. "Your sins are forgiven." In the eyes of God, she was now clean, pure and restored as a full and beloved member of God's people.  Jesus sent the woman off with a blessing which extends also to us as we confess our sin and receive God's forgiveness through Jesus: "Your faith has saved you; go in peace.
 
Christian friends, are you in need of forgiveness? God is waiting for you to receive it. If you'll repent and come boldly to Him without delay, He won't keep you waiting.
 
      Don't hide our sin and cover up,
      Pretending that there's nothing wrong;
      Instead, confess it and repent
      And God will fill your heart with song.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY -  We have to face our sins before we can put them behind us.