October 9, 2018
Good Morning Fellow Travelers,
Read: Luke 7:36-50
“Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” Psalm 2:12
It is true that our eternal destiny depends on who we love. We cannot be devoted to Christ while giving place to the devil. In Ephesians 4:27, Paul cautions us against giving place to the devil. The word “place” here is “topos” in the original Greek. It is the root of our English word “topography.” This refers to the ground, or a specific spot or location. The challenge is to not give the devil any “real estate” in our lives. The level of our devotion to Christ is going to determine how much place we are ready to give to the devil.
What does real devotion to Christ look like? We do not find it in Simon. He was a society man, respectable and even hospitable, at least he had invited Jesus for a meal. But his reception was cold. He had evidently not done the hospitable things common in a Jewish home at this time. He had not ordered the servants to wash Jesus’ feet. He had not kissed Him, nor anointed His head with oil, as was also customary.
The woman who came in uninvited was loathed by this Pharisee. She had great courage to do what she did, even to enter, but now she stands weeping at Jesus’ feet. Then she allows her tears to wash His feet, and she dries them with her hair, and then kisses them. Her final act of devotion is to anoint Christ’s feet with expensive ointment.
Her devotion was so genuine. Her tears proved her penitence, her kisses proved her love, and her oil proved her consecration.
Is your name Simon, or are you a broken woman? Is your penitence wet enough? Does it go down to the wellsprings? Is your love expressed by kisses, thankful kisses? Have you anointed Christ with your consecration?
Christ came for both the Simons and the Marys. Let us respond as the sinner, Mary. He will never turn such a love away. Such a repentant heart He will not ignore, nor will He reject such consecration.
– James Baer