March 12-14, 2010
Luke 7
Pastor Michelle Hoverson
Luke 7:36-50
One of my favorite Christian songs is CeCe Winans’ recording of “The Alabaster Box.” I’m moved to the edge of tears every time I hear it, in part because the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the scene at the Pharisees’ dinner party when the uninvited woman entered, approached the banquet table and lavished her love upon Jesus. You can just feel the tension as religion and relationship collide in the same room.
The other thing that I love about the song is how it captures beautifully the moment Jesus turned toward the woman and said to Simon and the other dinner guests, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.” (vs. 44) Simon, the religious leader, failed to extend Jesus the common courtesy of cleansing his sandaled feet, anointing his head with oil or offering him the traditional kiss of greeting. Perhaps Simon thought that he was too good to treat Jesus as an equal. On the other hand, the sinful woman lavished Jesus with tears of gratitude, anointed Him with expensive perfume and kissed on her Savior.
Overflowing love is a heartfelt response to forgiveness and mercy. However, only those who realize the depth of their sin can appreciate God’s complete forgiveness and grace.
Do you appreciate the wideness of God’s mercy for you? Why don’t you take a few minutes and shower your Savior with expressions of thanksgiving and gratitude?
