Worship with Perfume
People who look at me judge me as having a past, and it is true. My past is not pretty. In that life my sin was my identity. I felt powerless to be good enough for God to accept me. However, everything changed when the new Rabbi came to town.
Other Rabbis only teach in the synagogue, but Yeshua teaches in public places so everyone can hear him. He travels from town to town, but every time He is near, I go listen. He talks of a new kingdom that is here. His words pierce my heart. He offers forgiveness of sin, and a new life following Him and His ways. I hang on His every word. Giving up all of my old ways, I trust Him to forgive my sin. He gives me new life. My old desires are gone, I now have new desires to worship and serve God with everything in me.
This afternoon, while washing my clothes at the outdoor community trough, I hear Rabbi Yeshua is back in town. He is eating at Simon’s home. Simon is one of the religious leaders in the community and he looks down his nose at people like me. It makes no difference. I need to be near my Lord. I hurry home to drop off my wet clothes, grab the alabaster flask of perfume, and head straight to Simon’s.
As I arrive, the courtyard is full of people. In the middle of the courtyard, invited guests lay on couches with their feet away from a central table. Each man leans on his left side, and eats with his right hand from a communal food tray. Servants are coming and going, bringing food and drink. Townspeople crowd around the perimeter of the courtyard to listen to the table discussion.
I see a spot next to Yeshua’s feet. Hoping I go unnoticed, with a few quick steps, I reach Him. My heart bursts with love and gratitude. Tears pour down my face onto his dusty feet. Yeshua, God Himself, is here to redeem His people. He welcomes me, a former sinner. With joy unspeakable, I worship. The noise around me blurs, as I focus my full attention on Him. With this rare opportunity, I show Him my deep love and devotion. Time passes as I worship.
Suddenly, I hear Yeshua addressing Simon with a story. “A certain moneylender had two debtors: one owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they had no means of repaying the debts, he freely forgave them both. Which of them will love him more?”
Simon answered, “The one, I take it, for whom he forgave more.” Yeshua said to him, “You have decided correctly.”
Next, He motions toward me saying, “Simon, do you see this woman? I came into your house but you failed to extend to Me the usual courtesies shown to a guest; you gave me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair to demonstrate her love.
You gave Me no welcoming kiss, but from the moment I came in, she has not ceased to kiss My feet.
You did not even anoint My head with ordinary oil, but she has anointed My feet with rare perfume.
Therefore, I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
I lift my eyes and meet the deep eyes of Yeshua. He sees me. He knows me. He loves me.
Into my heart He speaks, “Your sins are forgiven. Your faith in Me has saved you; I give you My peace, Shalom.”