Κύριος Notes

Adoration/Praise

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,

wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

because thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Scripture Reflections:Luke 7

40Jesus said to him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Oh? Tell me."
41-42"Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?"

Lord Jesus that is exactly the place where you found me. In over my head, not able to do what was needed on any level. And yet you forgave me.Then the question who is more grateful...

It is interesting that You assume the Simon has been forgive at least some.

43-47Simon answered, "I suppose the one who was forgiven the most."
"That's right," said Jesus. Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said, "Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn't quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal."

Lord Jesus I rejoice in the forgiveness that I have received at your hand. This women expressed her thankfulness in a practical way...without judging the Pharisees, and without making a scene...this job was usually done by the lowliest servants of the house in homes where hospitality was practiced.

Simon may have been busy, or the preparations may have been rushed, but for whatever reason this task of the practical had not been done.

The women's gratitude was expressed in a practical act ministry to an identified need. What are the unmet needs that you would have me address Lord Jesus? Where are the places where you would have me show my gratitude to you for what you have done?

Is my gratitude minimal?

48Then he spoke to her: "I forgive your sins."
49That set the dinner guests talking behind his back: "Who does he think he is, forgiving sins!"
50He ignored them and said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

Sometimes our confession needs to be performatory...the very act expresses the confession...James tells us that faith without works is dead. What he is saying is: there are times when words distract us from the point. Heart work done is expressed in action. There are no recorded words from this women...she did not pray a sinners prayer that we know of...this women's confession was in her tears and her hair and in the sweet smell of the perfume that she poured on your feet.

I am sure that this was just the first of many changes in behavior and life style that she would be making in the next little while.

I don't even need to mention that the contrast is between this sinners act of faith and the inaction of Simon.

Lord Jesus in this coming day, show me ways to demonstrate my faith in quiet ways in this day. Help me to come to you Lord Jesus not just with words but with actions that confess my faith in your finished work on my behalf.