Welcome, Come Right This Way ...

S - Luke 7:37-38, 47-48 (NIV): "When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.  … Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.  Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

O - What was it about Jesus that made this particular sinful woman think she could (let alone should) do what she did?  How did she ever conclude that her actions would not only be tolerated but accepted and affirmed by the only human being known to be sinless? According to Jesus, both the woman and the Pharisee were sinners.  Interestingly enough, Jesus is willing to be friends with both of them.  The ultimate distinguishing feature would not be their lifestyles, histories or religious moorings. The difference would be found in their response to person of Jesus. The basis of the exchange between them all was love not moral agreement, theological rubrics or religious formulas.  Jesus, friend of sinners.  Jesus the same yesterday, today and forever.

A - Today there is only one purpose for my life and the lives of all who are following Jesus: love God with all the heart, mind, soul and strength and our neighbors as ourselves.  According to Jesus all the law and prophets are filled in this, everything depends on this and if we'll do this we will live forever.  My world (secular and religious) wants me to believe that there are occasions and exceptions to this; certain very important settings and circumstances where I may "temporarily" set aside the greatest imperative.  Jesus doesn't want me to believe that at all.  I will believe Jesus, love him back and love my neighbor (anyone who is not me) today while it's called today.

P - Lord God,

Thank you that you want me to think that I am wanted by heaven.  You want me/ us (no matter where we've been or what we've done) to come near and stay near according to love. I admit that you call me to yourself according to love and ask, instruct, insist that love be my primary purpose above all others and that the only real work to which you call us is the work of believing you … your beautiful, accessible, irrepressible person.  I give myself to you and to all you already have in mind.  I do love you back and remain amazed at you and your relentless love for all.

Loving much,

Steve