She was a sinner. It was no secret. Simon, the host, was a prominent Pharisee. He saw her when she walked in the door. But her eyes focused on One. She moved through a crowd of observers who hadn’t been invited to dinner, but were welcome to watch. (Luke 7:36-50)
In those days, social protocol allowed people to watch a party of this importance from a distance. Maybe a large crowd gathered around the perimeter of the table. After all, Jesus was there.
With no “pardon me,” the woman made her way through them, crossing the threshold of protocol to kneel at His feet. Tears dripped from her chin and cheeks, drenching His feet. As she wept, she poured out rare perfume. Fragrance and tears mingled in an outpouring of uncontained love.
Simon was appalled. And he thinks he’s a prophet…
Jesus, very much prophet, yet much more, knew his thoughts. He understood and honored her exchange. Extravagant love given, unbounded thanks received.
But that night thanks didn’t come from the host, one who should have recognized Him. Instead, it came from a despised and rejected one. Her outpouring defied convention and poured out unashamed. It was an offering that anointed the Savior.
Our tears and gifts mingle in imperfect humanity. We may get caught up in appearances. But He doesn’t. Somehow in a beautiful exchange, the offering of our hearts is received by a perfect God.
Does our gift wash away the dust of heartache from a world blind to Him? Or worse, the betrayal of those who’ve invited Him to the table, but refuse to give Him the honor He deserves?
This Passover season, may our love for Him cross over into a fragrant offering that anoints and invites with the sweetness of its fragrance. It might be a stench to some, but to Him, it is a preparation. One that we’re a part of.
Shalom in the River,
Laurel Thomas
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Thank you Laurel! Appreciated your word today. Wondered when would be a good day to get together with you this week! Also, Kenneth continues to need prayer for healing. We have heard words of knowledge from Pat Robertson on the 700 Club that ulcerated colitis was being healed and the person would feel the heat of the Lord which Kenneth has experienced before when he returned from the hospital and he had just returned to the Lord. We also had received a word from Sid Roth’s program about healing for Chrone’s which Kenneth has also weathered. Together and separately, we have watched numerous healing evangelists including David Hogan’s, but Kenneth appears in the natural to be going on a downward spiral which we have seen before and has usually resulted in him going to ER. He can’t go see the OKC GI until July, so we need a miracle. He has actually asked for the Lord to heal him or take him home because of the pain, the struggle of being a shut in and the continual struggle with eating, not knowing when he is going to need the bathroom, and so on. He is not suicidal, but we need a breakthrough. Patrick is being interviewed today for the Tulsa World to represent his success with the Medical Pact Team and funding needed for Mental Health. I will send you a message he sent to our entire family and you will be blessed. Love you, Lynn
Tom and I would love to get together! We have painters at the house all week, so let me check my schedule. It has been a challenge to have people in the house for the last couple weeks. I’ll give you a call.
I’m sorry to hear about Kenneth, but am also praying for a specific word of knowledge for him and an earlier appointment with a GI. We just bless and cover him spirit, soul and body with the Lord’s shalom. Love to you!