Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 August 18

“And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace” (Luke 7:36-50).

Today’s Morsel:  The story of the woman with the alabaster box of ointment that anointed Jesus was to be told wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her, Jesus said (Matthew 26:13).  Why?  Why did He want her story told?  Because it reveals faith, shows true love, and true gratitude; because the memory of the just is blessed (Proverbs 10:7), and the righteous are had in everlasting remembrance (psalms 112:6).  How much was your salvation and having your sins remitted worth to you?  Will your story live on for eternity?  Give your all to Jesus in thankfulness and it will.  

Sing: I came to Jesus weary worn and sad, He took my sins away, He took my sins away.  And now on Him I roll my every care, He took my sins away.

He took my sins away. He took my sins away, and He keeps me singing every day.  I’m so glad He took my sins away, He took my sins away.

Thought For Today: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1).