How Much Do We Love?

In Luke seven we find Jesus at the house of Simon (a Pharisee) at a table. While Jesus was reclining there, a sinful woman began washing His feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. She also anointed His feet with costly perfume she had brought. It seems Simon began to think less of Jesus because He was allowing this. Jesus, reading his mind, asked a question. A moneylender was owed 500 denarii by one and 50 by another. Neither was able to pay so he forgave both. Which would love him more? Simon answer correctly by stating the one who owed more. Jesus then put the lesson into application. Simon had done little for Jesus, but the sinful woman had done much (Luke 7:40-47).

“I have never committed adultery. I have never physically killed anyone. So I am feeling pretty good about myself if I forget a long list of sins I have committed. When I was baptized, I was a pretty good old boy according to the world. I just needed to get baptized because the Bible says so.” Maybe that is Simon’s mindset. He is a religious leader and considered a good guy according to the world. We might need some forgiveness but probably not much. There lies Simon’s and our problem if we think that way. Our sins, no matter how big or small, many or few, separate us from God and, if not covered by the blood of Jesus Christ, will send us to hell. We all are in debt more than we can pay. On the other hand, the sinful woman understood quite well that she was far from God. That motivated penitence and service. 

What might be some application for us? I think we need to continually remind ourselves how much God has done for us. We were lost and bound for hell because of our sin problem, but God stepped in. Praise God! That gratitude should motivate us to love much, as the text says, which comes out in a life of service to the One who has saved us. How much has God forgiven you?

I Found IT

Has there ever been anything you wanted really badly? You checked all the stores and nothing. You scoured the internet and nothing. You put a post on Facebook and nothing. Sure, you found some knockoffs and some cheap versions of what you are looking for but not a genuine real one. You had almost given up hope until… Maybe it is a yard sale or trade day. Maybe a friend calls and asks if you were looking for such and such. However it is, you find what you are looking for. The price is high, but this is what you have wanted so you are not letting it get away. The joy you feel as what you have been looking for is finally in your hands! If you have experienced this, I think you might begin to grasp what is going on in Matthew 13:45-46 which says, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.’

Let’s do some interpretation. We have a person seeking valuable things (pearls). He understands the value of these things. So when he comes across something of great value, he is willing to sell all that he has to obtain that thing (pearl) of greater value.

Let's do some application. What are we seeking? Are we seeking out in life things of value or junk? I think the reality is that in the world we live in, most are seeking junk, and we need to be careful we do not do the same. We will never know what is of great value if we do not know what is valuable. Do you know what is truly valuable? Salvation is the greatest value, but many miss it because they are chasing other things (junk) and do not recognize its value. When we find that which is of great value, we need to be willing to sell everything to obtain it. Are we willing to continually give all for the Lord?

Running Your Race

Have you ever been to a cross country meet? We have several here at Huntingdon that are involved with this sport. I had to run cross country when I was in school. I mean, I HAD to run. The basketball coach decided that since he was not allowed to practice us, he would make us run cross country to get into shape. I wish I was one of those who enjoy running, but I am not. I do have a lot of respect for those who do. It is challenging to run cross country.

Cross country is not a sprint. It is usually about endurance. You are going to be running for several miles. It might be hot, cold, wet, or whatever other weather can strike our area. There are going to be some flat places, but there will most likely be some hills and valleys. There might be some wet places or some rocky places. There are going to be times when you might not feel well. The goal is simple: to keep putting one foot in front of the other no matter what happens. You are trying to make it to the finish line.

I think the Christian life can, in some ways, be compared to cross country. Most of us will have years as Christians. There are all kinds of external things that can make it difficult to run for Christ. There are going to be good times and bad times (hills and valleys). There are going to be times when your greatest enemy stares at you from the mirror. The goal is simple: just keep putting one foot in front of the other to cross that finish line (Hebrews 12:1). Do not quit or give up. We are surrounded by those who have gone before us and finished, and they are proof that we can finish also. Not only are we surrounded by a great cloud of witness, but we also have the greatest “coach” anyone could have. God watches over us and helps us in our time of need. You can do this in Christ.