The Blessing of Persecution?

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” (Matthew 5:11, NASB).

Being persecuted for what we believe as a Christian is never easy. Yet this is a part of what it means to follow Christ. It should not surprise us when people speak evil of us, insult us, and belittle us for living Christ. What's more interesting is the fact Jesus says such people are "blessed." More about that later. The Apostle Paul echoes Jesus’ words in today’s text, when he wrote: “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Tim. 3:12, NASB). Do you ever wonder why you don’t suffer persecution for the name of Christ, or that you really don’t see fellow Christians suffering for the name of Christ? The answer is this, because we are really not living Christ before a godless world. Our problem is we have become too comfortable, complacent, and worldly in this present evil world. We are supposed to be salt and light to a world of perishing sinners. Yet, we live our lives as though we don’t know God, nor the need all around us. Are we really loving our neighbors by remaining silent? Noted revivalist writer, Leonard Ravenhill wrote: “The early Church was married to Poverty, Prisons, and Persecutions. Today, “The Church” is married to Prosperity, Personality, and Popularity.” This quote is definitely an accurate description of today’s Church. We are too busy compromising our faith to be popular in the world, rather than stand for God’s truth and suffer persecution. If the truth be told, we as the Church are more married to the world then we are to Christ! I came across a quote recently that said this, “A man who won’t die for something, isn’t fit to live”—Martin Luther King Jr. The fear of death is a snare, the Christian martyrs of old knew this. So they learned to die to themselves first until they feared disobeying God more than they feared death. It is when the fear of death loses its hold on us that we find the freedom to really live for Christ. Just as the blood of Christ gave birth to the Church, so the blood of the martyrs from the past and the present was and still is the seed of the Church. As mentioned earlier, such Christians who are persecuted for their faith in Christ are "blessed." First, they are blessed in sharing in the sufferings of Christ (see Phil. 3:10). Second, they are blessed in that such persecution reveals whether they are truly identifying with Christ or the world (see 1 John 2:15). Third, they are blessed in that such persecution has a way of testing our true motives in following Christ. Are we in it for Christ, or ourselves?

Lord, we know the fear of man is a snare to our soul, just as the fear of death is. Lord, help us to settle the matter forever about fearing persecution for your name. Help us to count it our privilege to suffer persecution for your honor and glory. In Christ’s name. Amen.

DON'T JUDGE ME UNTIL YOU ARE PERFECT

Came across this quote from a friend's post here on Facebook. It reads as follows:

"Judge me when you're perfect. Shut up when you're not." -Author Unknown.

Actually, the logic in this quote above is faulty, in that it dismisses any judgment on the grounds that nobody is perfect, therefore it manipulates people into silence, when judgment is really needed on serious matters. Besides, the quote contradicts itself anyway by judging people into silence. So on this grounds, the author of this quote is guilty of judging, which the logic behind this quote doesn't allow him or her to do, since they too are not perfect. Therefore, they are judged into silence as well.

Now having said the above, I realize there are times when bad judgment is made against someone. For example, judging someone in haste without knowing all the facts, especially when they are found to be innocent is never good. It is bad judgment on the part of him or her who judged. The fact is, we all make judgment calls on a daily bases. We judge what we are going to do, what we are going to wear, what we are going to eat, what is safe, or what is harmful, etc. The fact is we ALL judge. When we are going to judge another person on an issue, or their behavior, we should make sure we know the facts before making a judgment. For those who hastily judge others, will soon find themselves being judged in haste. So if we judge others, let's be sure it is done in righteous judgment.

The fact is, we should always judge our own personal lives first, and make any wrongs or offenses we've committed against others right. Then we will be in a better position to see and judge more clearly and compassionately the offenses and wrongs others commit against us. Like the Lord Jesus says, "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:5, NASB).

Lord God, sometimes we come across as being judgmental to others. Help us to be wise in our judgments. Too often we judge others without knowing all the facts, or the motive behind why such a judgment was made. We all make judgments on a daily bases. It is a part of life. Lord, when we make a judgment call on someone, help us to judge with righteous judgment. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

PROPHET, PRIEST, AND KING

“For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground...”  

(Isaiah 53:2,  NKJV).

“Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a well; his branches run over the wall.” 
(Gen. 49:22, NKJV).

“Rod budded, blossomed, and yielded fruit.” 
(Num. 17:8).

Firstly, the phrase “a tender plant” speaks of the birth of Christ. It speaks of newness of life. Now the term, “a root out of dry ground” speaks of Christ as that divine life which sprang forth from the dry, arid, deadness of humanity under the curse of sin. (See  Isa. 53:2; Matt. 1:18; John 3:3, 7; Rom. 5:12).  Secondly, we have “Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a well; his branches run over the wall.” (Gen. 49:22, NKJV). The words, “a fruitful bough” carries with it three truths from this text. (1.) To begin with, the “bough” was “fruitful.” (2.) The green leaves speak of life; (3.) whereas, the fruit speaks of what that life produces. Its fruit is produced for one purpose to give sustenance and life to others. Joseph was a fruitful bough because the hand of the Lord was with him in delivering the world at that time from starvation. No wonder the Pharaoh called him, “Zaphnath-paaneah” [One translation of this Egyptian name is “Savior of the world,”] (see Gen. 42:45, 55-57). Thirdly, Aaron’s “rod budded, blossomed, and yielded fruit.” (Num. 17:8). This of course, spoke of the chosen one, the high priest Aaron chosen by God among the other Jewish candidates for the office of high priest. Aaron represents the greater High Priest to come. 

Are not all three of these points revealing of Christ’s person? First, the “tender plant” reminds us of Christ’s birth and genealogy. He is the seed of king David. So here we have Jesus’ royal lineage as the King who will sit on David’s throne.  Second, we have Joseph as a type of Christ described as “a fruitful bough.” Since Joseph was able to interpret dreams, he can be seen as a type of prophet. So here we see Christ pictured in Joseph as a Prophet. Third, we have Aaron’s “rod budded, blossomed, and yielded fruit.” So in Aaron we see Christ pictured as our great High Priest. In Conclusion, we can see from these three points the threefold ministry of Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King. Only the order is in reverse. Why is that? I believe the order refers to the life of Christ. First, the tender plant refers to the birth of Christ into the world; next, the fruitful bough speaks of the life, death, and the resurrection of Christ; lastly, Aaron’s rod that “budded, blossomed, and produced fruit” reveals Christ as our Great High Priest who sits triumphantly in the heavens (see Heb. 4:14-16; 7:25).

Lord, thank You for being our great Prophet, Priest, and King. As we trace Your birth, life, death, and resurrection here on earth, which are recorded in the pages of Scripture, we are comforted with the fact You fulfilled all the Scriptures concerning yourself. We praise, adore, and worship you in Christ Jesus’ most precious name, Amen.

How Feminism has Affected Leadership within the Nuclear Family

"But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ." 

(1 Corinthians 11:3, NASB).

In today’s feminized culture we live in, not many men know how to be leaders anymore. Years ago men knew how to lead in a relationship. How you might ask? They had fathers who had the necessary skills to teach their sons. Now you have fathers who will not even take responsibility for themselves and their actions, let alone a family. Why is that? Well for starters, first, they come from a single parent family, where they had no dad to teach them the required skills to conduct themselves in a manly manner. Since feminism and the government that endorses the fallacy that fathers are unnecessary and that mothers can fulfill the role of both parents fathers are deemed unnecessary. Second, you have young fathers who don’t know how to lead, let alone what it means to be a man, who come from families where both parents are present, but the father did not possess the basic skills to teach his son what it means to lead in a manly and healthy fashion. Then thirdly, you have young fathers who have the basic skills necessary to lead his family, but his young wife fights him on everything, because she believes the feminist lie that says it is sexist for men to be the only ones to have the authority to lead, and that women can lead just like men can. So you end up with a chaotic environment, where both parents are striving against each other for sole authority within the home, unaware their actions are affecting their children. Working against each other will never work, but both parents working together as a team does. Working in opposition against each other will not accomplish anything, except eventually a trip to divorce court. So what does it mean to assume the responsibility of leadership in a family setting? Well, let’s look at three key points on this issue and try to clear away some misunderstanding.

LEADERSHIP: IS IT ABOUT LEADING OR CONTROLLING? 

The term leader means, “to lead along; to guide, direct, or command [as a general would command his troops].” Historically men were the head of the home. In a marital relationship the husband was responsible for providing and protecting his family. His wife and children were depended on him to meet their needs. In the past, many women fulfilled their role and responsibility as housewives in the home, while the man worked to provide for his family. Times have changed since then. We have almost as many women employed in jobs as we do men. In 2014 the percentage of women in the work force was estimated to be 47.1% which makes up almost half the work force. In the United States, it is 45.8%. However, if you factor in and include teenage girls from age 16 and up, you have quite a jump from 45.8% to 57% of women who make up the work force in the United States in 2014. This no doubt affects the leadership role and responsibility of men in marriage. The husband is no longer the sole financial provider for his family. Yet, feminists hold to an unfair double standard in that men are still expected to be the primary bread winners in the home, despite the fact there are almost as many women working as there are men. As already mentioned about 57% of the work force consists of women working! If this source is correct, it puts into serious question why a man should still be obligated to pay on a date with a woman? Yet, a man’s value in a relationship with a woman is still based on his financial ability to provide for his wife and kids. 

Often the question arises among women, especially feminists, that the man being the head of the family is a slam against women, a dictatorship where the man rules and oppresses his home with an iron fist. Unfortunately, in some cases a woman’s complaint may well be justified. For some people think leadership is about power and control over others. I’m sure some men can be quite insensitive, careless, and mean to his wife and children, but so can women be just equally as guilty in being abusive and oppressive towards her husband and children. Leadership is not about who gets to be the boss, nor is it about control. It is about leading, not controlling or dictating to others in a demeaning manner how to live their lives. That’s not genuine leadership. Leadership is about leading others by example, not by expecting others to follow you just because you say so. This of course "leads" us into the next point. (No pun intended, haha).

LEADERSHIP: IS IT ABOUT RESISTING OR SUBMITTING? 

Leadership is often misunderstood in relationships, especially in marriage, as the man just taking on the role and the responsibility of leadership in the home. No, it is much more than that. It is about leading by example. One way a husband can do this is by serving his family in submission. You really cannot genuinely serve without possessing a heart of submission, and you really cannot be fit to lead without a heart to serve others. Now what would submission look like in a proper and healthy functioning family? First, the man submits by serving his wife and children by leading, protecting, and providing for them; next, the wife submits by faithfully obeying and serving her husband, and children through nurturing and providing a loving atmosphere within the home; lastly, children submit by obeying both their parent’s guidance and instruction, and not causing them grief through bad behavior. However, when it comes to decision making within the home, the man should have the final say, but decisions should not be made by the man alone, without consulting his wife first in getting her input on the matter. In other words, important decisions that are to be made for the family, should be made and agreed upon by both the husband and wife before the man makes the decision to proceed. 

Let’s face it, it is in human nature to rebel against submitting to authority, however, that does not excuse us from submitting to authority when it is required of us to do so. For without submission you have anarchy. So submission by its very nature is necessary to have order, just like it is necessary to have someone who has the required ability and skill to guide and direct a relationship to a place of order, but again, you cannot have order without submission. Everyone cannot lead, because everyone does not process and possess the necessary skills to be able to do so. Since it is ability and skill that empowers one to lead, even so does submission carry its own power in creating peace and order. This is something leadership cannot do by itself, without possessing the qualities of humility and submission. A person who has a willing heart to faithfully serve others, and has served others faithfully in the past makes for a great leader, for he is able to lead by example, and not just by word alone. The role Leadership for the husband within a marital relationship should never be about superiority or a self-serving attitude. True Leadership is about leading by example. It is about using your intelligence, skills, and abilities to direct and guide others towards a specified goal. This in of itself is a type of service. 

Leaders who are hungry for power, prestige, and control shouldn't be in positions of leadership, for they are a grief to all who have to put up with them. So it is understandable if a woman resists a husband's leadership role in the home, if he oversteps his boundaries by becoming more a dictator and control freak, when his priority is to lead by example. No woman wants to submit to a tyrant. 

LEADERSHIP: IS IT ABOUT RESPONSIBILITY AND RESPECT?

Respect is earned, and it is best earned through responsibility. You cannot properly have respect without being responsible, and being faithfully responsible deserves respect. The virtue of being responsible means: “having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part of one's job or role.” So being faithfully responsible is what earns you respect from those who see that in your life. The term respect means: “to regard, to hold in high esteem.” Now a person who is irresponsible or neglectful of his duties is naturally people we have very little, or no respect for at all. Under feminism, a lot of women want leadership roles without the responsibility that goes along with it. Nevertheless, there are women who are responsible and deserving of respect. Let’s face it, there are women who are mature, responsible, intelligent, hard working, even putting to shame a lot of men in the process. Perhaps some will disagree with me here, but I am of the opinion that women in general do not make good leaders. Why do I say that? Here are some reasons why: 

ORIGINALLY: the man was created first, then the woman was created (1 Cor. 11:8-9; 1 Tim. 2:13).
PSYCHOLOGICALLY: women are less rational and logical then men. 
SEXUALLY: women’s sexual organs are designed to receive and nurture, whereas a man’s sexual organs are designed to lead and give. 
BIOLOGICALLY: a woman is smaller and weaker physically than a man, whereas a man is larger and stronger than a woman [ex. many of the great civilizations and building structures from the past to present were and are built by men]. (1 Pet. 3:7).

Here below is a list of reasons why a woman should not lead written by a woman:
1. Women, even highly intelligent women, are more emotional than men. 
2. Women govern with ideas of nurturing. Society functions on notions of duty and discipline. 
3. Women have too much to do in the private realm. 
4. The future depends on the child-rearing of today. 
5. Birth rates sharply fall under egalitarian leadership. 
6. Men lose interest in fields dominated by women. The more women govern, the less men seek to govern. 
7. Female public figures are judged more than men on their physical appearance. 
8. Women who hold power tend to disparage the powerlessness of most women, making it difficult for women in general to forsake ambition for greater goods.

Feminism undermines leadership in the nuclear family by (1.) teaching the egalitarian view that says men and women are the exact same, (2.) by erasing the unique differences inherent in men and women, (3.) teaching the false notion that father’s are unnecessary to raise children, (4.) by reversing the roles and authority in the nuclear family in having the woman assume the role of the husband, and the husband assuming the role of the wife, (5.) by mischaracterization of men in society, through demonizing, demeaning, and subjugating and oppressing men; blaming men for all the problems in society, instead of women taking responsibility for their own actions. (6.) homosexuality within feminism that supports same-sex marriage also undermines the nuclear family. I’m sure a lot more examples could be given.

To conclude, I think it is important to realize that both men and women have different gifts, abilities, and strengths that they bring into a marital relationship that helps to enrich, strength, and compliments each other. A recent post I seen on Facebook gave this insightful quote that I’m sure we can all agree with: “A strong marriage rarely has two strong people at the same time. It is a husband and a wife who take turns being strong for each other in the moments when the other feels weak.” (Ashley Willis). Let’s face it, both men and women have strengths they can both benefit from one another, just as they both have weaknesses that show they need one another as well.

THE KISSES OF SCRIPTURE

"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine" 

(Song of Solomon 1:2, ESV).

Notice here first that the bride says "let him kiss me." There is no mention of her initiating the kissing. She is the one being pursued, not her pursuing him. It would have been overbearing and unlady like for her to kiss him. "We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19, KJV). The truth is, it is God who pursues us. How can a sinner who hates God pursue Him? Second, we read in the text above about the Shulammite woman's desire for her lover's kisses. To her, his love is better than wine. The meaning here is simple. The young Shulammite bride is saying her groom's affectionate kisses are better than earthly pleasure. This truth is further brought out in verse 4: "We will rejoice in you and be glad; We will extol your love more than wine. Rightly do they love you." Here we see three actions the daughters of Jerusalem did. First, they "rejoiced" in the King's person; Second, they "extolled" [praised, exulted] the King's great love more than earthly pleasure; Third, they "rightly" love the King. They are commended for loving the King. His reputation won the respect, affection, and admiration of the Shulammite and the virgins. 

From verses 1 to 4 we are give the reasons why the Shulammite Bride and maidens love the King. 

1. The King's "love" is not FALSE, but genuine. A love that brings security to the one loved.

2. The King's "oils" carry a pleasing FRAGRANCE (see Song 4:10; John 12:3). There is nothing displeasing about his character. Is He not worth worshipping?

3. The King's "name" is like oil FILTERED (see Eccl. 7:1; Prov. 22:1). The King was known for his good reputation. Neither fine oils or riches can ever compare to a good name. A reputation not soiled by deceit or corruption.

In today's text, we read about the value of a lover's kiss. There are a number of different meanings behind the various forms of kissing. Here below are three Bible dictionaries that either briefly mention the meaning or explain the meaning of the different kisses. 

First, we see in Smith's Bible Dictionary a brief overview of some examples of the meanings of kisses in Scripture.

"Kissing the lips by way of affectionate salutation was customary among near relatives of both sexes, in both patriarchal and later times. ( Genesis 29:11 ; Solomon 8:1 ) Between individuals of the same sex, and in a limited degree between those of different sexes, the kiss on the cheek as a mark of respect or an act of salutation has at all times been customary in the East, and can hardly be said to be extinct even in Europe. In the Christian Church the kiss of charity was practiced not only as a friendly salutation, but as an act symbolical of love and Christian brotherhood. ( Romans 16:16 ; 1 Corinthians 16:20 ; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:6 ; 1 Peter 5:14 ) It was embodied in the earlier Christian offices, and has been continued in some of those now in use. Among the Arabs the women and children kiss the beards of their husbands or fathers. The superior returns the salute by a kiss on the forehead. In Egypt an inferior kisses the hand of a superior, generally on the back, but sometimes, as a special favor, on the palm also. To testify abject submission, and in asking favors, the feet are often kissed instead of the hand. The written decrees of a sovereign are kissed in token of respect; even the ground is sometimes kissed by Orientals int he fullness of their submission. ( Genesis 41:40 ; 1 Samuel 24:8 ; Psalms 72:9 ) etc. Kissing is spoken of in Scripture as a mark of respect or adoration to idols. ( 1 Kings 19:18 ; Hosea 13:2 )"1

Here we see a much briefer account about kisses in Easton's Bible dictionary. Though short, it still gives a basic meaning worth studying into.

"Kiss of affection ( Genesis 27:26 Genesis 27:27 ; 29:13 ; Luke 7:38 Luke 7:45 ); reconciliation ( Genesis 33:4 ; 2 Sam14:33 ); leave-taking ( Genesis 31:28 Genesis 31:55 ; Ruth 1:14 ; 2 Sam 19:39 ); homage ( Psalms 2:12 ; 1 Samuel 10:1 ); spoken of as between parents and children ( Genesis 27:26 ; Genesis 31:28 Genesis 31:55 ; 48:10 ; 50:1 ;Exodus 18:7 ; Ruth 1:9 Ruth 1:14 ); between male relatives ( Genesis 29:13 ; 33:4 ; 45:15 ). It accompanied social worship as a symbol of brotherly love ( Romans 16:16 ; 1 Corinthians 16:20 ; 2 co 13:12 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:26 ;1 Peter 5:14 ). The worship of idols was by kissing the image or the hand toward the image ( 1 Kings 19:18 ;Hosea 13:2 )"2.

In this Bible Encyclopedia, we are given the most lengthiest comment on kisses mentioned in Scripture. Seven points are brought out in greater detail, yet to the point.

(nashaq; phileo, kataphilo, philema):"The kiss is common in eastern lands in salutation, etc., on the cheek, the forehead, the beard, the hands, the feet, but not (in Pal) the lips (Cheyne, E B, under the word "Salutations"). In the Bible there is no sure instance of the kiss in ordinary salutation. We have in the Old Testament naschaq, "to kiss," used

(1) of relatives (which seems the origin of the practice of kissing; compare Song of Solomon 8:1, "Oh that thou wert as my brother .... I would kiss thee; yea, and none would despise me"); Genesis 27:26,27 (Isaac and Jacob); 29:11 (Jacob and Rachel); 33:4 (Esau and Jacob); 45:15 (Joseph and his brethren); 48:10 (Jacob and Joseph's sons); 50:1 (Joseph and his father); Exodus 4:27 (Aaron and Moses); 18:7 (Moses and Jethro, united with obeisance); Ruth 1:9,14 (Naomi and her daughters-in-law--a farewell); 2 Samuel 14:33 (David and Absalom);1 Kings 19:20 (Elisha and his parents--a farewell); see also Genesis 29:13; 31:28,55; Tobit 7:6; 10:12.

(2) Of friendship and affection; compare 1 Samuel 20:41 (David and Jonathan); 2 Samuel 15:5 (Absalom and those who came to him); 19:39 (David and Barzillai--a farewell); 20:9 (Joab and Amasa); Proverbs 27:6 ("the kisses (neshiqah) of an enemy"); 1 Esdras 4:47 ("the king stood up, and kissed him").

(3) Of love; compare Song of Solomon 1:2, "Let him kiss me with the kisses (neshiqah) of his mouth"; Proverbs 7:13 (of the feigned love of "the strange woman").

(4) Of homage, perhaps; compare 1 Samuel 10:1 (Samuel after anointing David king); Genesis 41:40, "Unto thy word shall all my people be ruled," the Revised Version margin "order themselves," or "do homage," the King James Version margin "Hebrew be armed or kiss" (nashaq); Psalms 2:12, "Kiss the son" (American Standard Revised Version), the English Revised Version margin "Some versions render, `Lay hold of (or receive) instruction'; others, `Worship in purity' "; some ancient versions give `Kiss (or, do homage) purely.'

(5) Of idolatrous practices; compare 1 Kings 19:18; Hosea 13:2 (compare 8:5,6; 10:5); Job 31:27, probably, "kissing the hand to the sun or moon" (compare 31:26,27). See ADORATION.

(6) A figurative use may be seen in Psalms 85:10; Proverbs 24:26; Ezekiel 3:13, where "touched" is nashaq (see the King James Version margin).

(7) In Additions to Esther 13:13 we have "I could have been content .... to kiss the soles of his feet," and in Ecclesiasticus 29:5, "Till he hath received, he will kiss a man's hands"--marks of self-humiliation or abasement.

In the New Testament we have phileo, "to kiss," "to be friendly," and kataphileo, "to kiss thoroughly," "to be very friendly"--the first in Matthew 26:48; Mark 14:44; Luke 22:47, of the kiss with which Judas betrayed his Master. This was probably meant to be taken as an expression of special regard, which is expressed by the kataphileo ofMatthew 26:49; Mark 14:45; the same word is used of the woman who kissed the feet of Christ (Luke 7:38,45); of the father's greeting of the returning prodigal (Luke 15:20); and of the farewell to Paul of the Ephesian Christians (Acts 20:37); philema, "a kiss," "a mark of friendship," is used by our Lord as that which Simon omitted to give him (which may refer to ordinary hospitality), but which the woman had bestowed so impressively (Luke 7:45); of the kiss of Judas (Luke 22:48); and of the "holy kiss" wherewith Christians greeted each other, which, according to the general usage we have seen, would be as the members of one family in the Lord, or as specially united in holy love (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14). There is reason to believe that, as a rule, men only thus greeted men, and women, women. In the Apostolical Constitutions (3rd century) it is so enjoined."3

W. L. Walker

-------------------------------

1 Dictionaries - Smith's Bible Dictionary - Kiss.

2 Dictionaries - Easton's Bible Dictionary - Kiss

3 Encyclopedias - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Kiss

4 All the above Bible Dictionaries were taken from the link: http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/kiss/

THE SINFUL WOMAN (PART TWO)

“He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman?” 

(Luke 7:44, NASB).

It is interesting to note that Jesus was silent throughout the action the woman performed in anointing His feet with her “tears” (her sorrows) and her “perfume” (her costly worship). During this period Jesus was silent, while Simon, though verbally silent, was not silent in heart. He was judgmental of her reputation as a sinful woman (see Luke 7:39). Now the Lord breaks the silence in his conversation with Simon. He acknowledges and points out four things the sinful woman did that Simon failed to do. Jesus begins with drawing Simon’s attention to the woman with a searching question, “Do you see this woman?” Obviously Simon overlooked the woman’s service to the Lord, and only saw her as a sinner. Where Simon only saw a sinful woman, Jesus saw a repentant woman. Here in this scene we see a man invite the Lord Jesus into his home, but failed to provide the customary greeting and hospitality that was required of the host to be shown to a guest in the Middle East. The Lord then continues by stating four things the sinful woman did that rebukes what Simon did not do. First, Jesus acknowledges and points out to Simon, “she has wet my feet with her tears”(v.44a)—not just water drawn from a well, but with her own tears of sorrow she wiped His feet. Second, the Lord acknowledges and draws Simon’s focus on the fact the woman did not use a towel to wipe his feet, but “wiped them with her hair”(v.44b)—she stooped in humility and laid her glory at Jesus’ feet. Her hair mingled with her tears reminds us that her glory is tainted by her sin. Nevertheless, Jesus receives her kind service. Third, we read that Jesus further points out to Simon the fact he did not greet Him with a “kiss,” whereas the woman “has not ceased to kiss my feet,”(v.45)—here we see Simon’s cold unaffectionate hospitality compared to the sinful woman’s loving, affectionate adoration of the Lord Jesus. Fourth, we see Jesus pointing out to Simon that he did not “anoint [His] head with oil,” whereas the woman “anointed [Jesus’] feet with perfume,”(v.46)—which speaks of worship. The fact the perfume was costly, reminds us of the value we place on Christ. Simon did not love or value Jesus like the sinful woman did. Dear reader, how much does the Lord Jesus mean to you in your life? Is He just a passing thought, or are you devoted to Him and His cause in the gospel?

Heavenly Father, thank you for challenging us today with the story of the sinful woman and the self-righteous Pharisee, Simon; Help us to be wise like the sinful woman in humble service to Christ. For there is no cost too great to worship and adore Him, let us not be foolish like Simon and neglect being welcoming and hospital to our precious Lord Jesus, Amen.

THE SINFUL WOMAN (PART ONE)

“And standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume.” (Luke 7:38, NASB).

We are not told who this sinful woman was, nor are we given her name. She is simply identified as a “sinful” woman (v.37). In other words, she was named according to her bad reputation as opposed to her actual name, which I am certain she had. Now what actual sins she was guilty of? Is anyone’s guess, for her sins are not specifically mentioned in the passage. Usually when a woman is identified as sinful in Scripture, the woman is usually associated with such sins as adultery or prostitution. Now that’s not to say she was not guilty of such other sins. In today’s Scripture text, six points can be drawn from this woman’s action in the presence of Jesus. First, we see the woman “standing behind Him”—this speaks of her shame. She at first, felt she could not face him with her sin. Nevertheless, she was there. Second, we observe her “weeping”—this reminds us of her brokenness and sorrow over her guilt and sin. Third, the woman stooped and “began to wet His feet with her tears”—does this not show her humble and submissive attitude in the Lord Jesus presence? The Lord does not respond in forgiveness to us in our pride, but He does forgive, when we approach Him in humility (see James 4:6). Fourth, we learn the woman “kept wiping them with the hair of her head”—she laid her glory at Christ’s feet (see 1 Cor. 11:15). Fifth, we witness the woman “kissing His feet”—this reveals her heart, her affection, love, and appreciation of His person. Sixth, lastly we are in awe of the woman’s sacrifice in “anointing them with the perfume”—her worship was costly (see John 12:3). Now I should point out here the slight difference between the woman’s “weeping” as opposed to her “tears.” “Weeping” reminds us of intense emotion expressed through a multitude of tears, which in turn speaks of her brokenness over her multitude of sins; whereas, “tears” speaks of individual sorrow over specific sins. The wonderful truth is, we read Jesus saying, "For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." (Luke 7:47, NASB). Friend, have you a multitude of sins that are weighing you down? If so, lay them at Jesus’ feet in repentance, and like the sinful woman in today’s passage, the Lord Jesus will forgive you of all your sins. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30, NASB).

Lord Jesus, thank you for this sinful woman’s example that no matter how bad we have sinned, there is hope and forgiveness to be found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.