FRESH WORD FOR THE DAY - Wednesdays edition
“And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil.”
— Luke 7:37-38
The full narrative spans verses 36 to 50. However, since this is a devotional, we will focus specifically on verses 37 and 38. I encourage you, the reader, to explore the entire account of the story.
We've all heard someone remark, "Just wait until you hear the end of the story."
This narrative about Jesus begins with two individuals: one was deeply religious and moral, while the other was quite immoral and non-religious. Let’s take a moment to concentrate on these two—one being a Pharisee and the other a woman identified as a sinner (specifically a prostitute) in the city, highlighting her involvement in her profession.
At this stage, one could argue that the Pharisees are sinners as well, correct? The answer is a definitive yes. However, he held a different perspective, much like many people do today.
The Greek word for "Behold" conveys the ideas of "to look, listen, pay attention, and come see," urging one to focus and truly observe. It also implies the act of staring and directing your gaze toward something.
In the minds of someone they might ask why are you giving so much attention to this word? Because what is occurring is unbelievable and mind-boggling to the minds of that dayWhat we will discover in these verses today has the potential to profoundly impact every religious individual. However, it will also lead the humble and broken to seek forgiveness at the feet of Jesus. I would like to take a moment to highlight the term "religious," referring specifically to those who lack the true salvation that can only be found in Christ. I often describe this as being “religious” just twice a year—on Easter and Christmas. While there's nothing inherently wrong with attending church on those occasions, it’s important to remember that the true purpose of these days is to encounter Christ and deepen our relationship with Him.
A brief definition of the word “Sinner “a person who customarily sins - sinner, outcast”. Wells that’s the whole human race Roman 3:23 says all have sin.
I want to be clear it Doesn’t matter what you have done or where you’ve been, in the pigs pen, in the pimps pen, or in the penthouse.
This woman in the story came in uninvited, unashamed and unconcerned about what people thought. This was her time to get the peace in her life that she needed. You the reader at this very moment do you have peace? This must be the attitude of everyone that comes to Christ.
Additionally, the woman followed the customs of the day, expressing her devotion by washing Jesus' feet with her tears, drying them with her hair, kissing his feet, and anointing them with fragrant oil. The alabaster jars, intricately carved and costly, held an exquisite perfume. Indeed, He is worthy of our best, regardless of the sacrifice involved.
Some closing points a few takeaways.
Verse 47 Jesus emphasize the woman’s love.
Verse 48 he forgives her of Sins (plural that means all of her sins)
Verse 49 shows that he is God and has authority to forgive sins.
In the ultimate verse 50, she received salvation and peace.
This serves as a powerful testament for anyone who feels trapped; no matter what sin you have committed, come to Jesus to receive forgiveness and salvation.
I pray for you: Are you in pain? Do you feel isolated? Do you experience rejection? Do you often feel like an outsider? Come to the feet of Jesus and lay everything down—your tears, your struggles, and all. Discover salvation and eternal peace at His feet. Amen 🙏
@SarahGeving1@FaceTheNation Correct 100%
Reality check to the powers that be they cannot take Kharg Island, without significant loss of life it’s not possible.
A FRESH WORD FOR THE DAY- Sundays edition
In my study of the epistle of Romans today, I reached chapter 9. As I read verses 15 and 16, they resonated deeply with my spirit, reflecting on God's mercy and compassion. I want to share these insights.
“What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.”
— Romans 9:14-16
So, let’s ponder these truths for a moment. Extending mercy, and compassion lies within the discretion of God. Which means He can give it or He can withhold it.
To begin with, we must recognize that God is sovereign, which means He can make choices and decisions at His own discretion.
As we observe the current events and breaking news, along with all chaos and confusion on every level. We can turn to God's Word for insight into the reasons behind these occurrences. And yes God‘s word has something far greater than the breaking news of day. Why because God‘s word is truth. Everything that’s happening today is a result of God's sovereign purpose and plan; And all orchestrated according to His will. There is no happenstance or coincidence. We must always try to remember nothing transpires outside of God's discretion and sovereign design.
So, you might ask why is that’s important? Well thank you for asking. Because, knowing and understand that truth brings peace in the middle of a storm, it gives clarity when you can’t see your way out and bring hopes to a hopeless situation.
In verse 14, Paul raises the question, "Is there unrighteousness with God?" His unequivocal response is certainly not; in Greek, this expression is a strong negative that conveys the idea of dismissing such a thought altogether.
Verses 15, 16 present a profound statement that underscores God's authority to bestow mercy or withhold it, to show compassion or refrain from compassion.
The terms "mercy" and "compassion" are closely related. Mercy refers to the act of showing kindness or being merciful toward someone (that doesn’t deserve it), while compassion conveys a sense of pity and also implies the act of showing mercy.
The psalmist is crying for mercy.
“Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us! For we are exceedingly filled with contempt.”
— Psalms 123:3
“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’”
— Luke 18:13
Keep in mind the kind of God we worship: He is sovereign; He is not arbitrary; in all things He works for our good and His glory. He is trustworthy, we can trust His word. He will save all who believe in him. Because He’s a saving God He loves you and cares. No matter where you are today, He can save you from whatever it is. Trust Him and go to Him . When we understand these qualities of God, we know that His choices are good even if we don’t understand all His reason.
Let’s thank God today and give Him glory for His mercy and his compassion towards us.