 Through my Tears 2007 : June | Printer Friendly Version Today’s message is a beautiful poem that has been sent in by Becky Hearn. If you have been visiting our Site for some time now, you will recognize that Becky has submitted devotions in the past. Becky wrote this poem at church, where a group has been gathering to write stories about Jesus. As she read today’s verses from Luke, she began writing from the perspective of what that woman must have been experiencing. Becky felt the exercise of writing this poem spoke to her heart, and she hopes it will speak to yours. Luke 7:37-50 as revealed by the Holy Spirit to Becky Hearn… Dear Jesus, In Your Presence, I realize my unworthiness. At Your Feet, I see my contemptible attitude. As I approach Your Presence, my past, my shame and my guilt flood to the surface. Your eyes – oh! Your Eyes! They search my own, and I feel how You already know all these memories and hurts, all I've done, Yet… there is something quite different. I had heard You weren’t typical but never believed You’d be this way with me. It seems like years – but also like moments – then the uncontrollable sobs sweep over my body. I saw, in those moments, Your mercy, Your grace and Your tenderness. You saw my potential, not my past! Words are insufficient. Nothing can tell my gratitude. Somehow, I have to show You... have to let You know... just how much it meant to me... how much You mean to me! What good are all these tears!?! They are keeping me from everything – I can hardly even breathe! In exasperation, I fall to the floor. There, before my eyes, under all my tears, are Your precious feet... covered in dirt and calluses, weather worn and torn from the rocks and pebbles. “No! Not YOUR feet!” My mind screams at the thought, the realization... the Savior’s feet, My Savior’s feet – uncared for... As my tears continue gushing forth as a waterfall, I realize I can care for Your feet – Oh! What a blessing! Tenderly, I lift each foot and bathe it in my flood of tears. These waterfalls from my eyes nourish Your feet, and the dry skin soaks it in like a sponge. Oh dear! I've nothing to dry Your feet with... nothing worthy of touching You, caressing those feet... but maybe... I will use my hair: my most prized attribute. The flowing locks cascade to the dirt as I let it down. I wipe Your feet so gently, until every teardrop has dried from Your feet – inexplicably, I find my tear wells have dried. I cover Your tender toes in oil and massage it over Your feet. Suddenly, a bitter taste fills my mouth – and I realize I've been kissing Your feet this entire time. As I finish, I am suddenly aware of the room – everyone staring at me... judging me, seeing only my past. I feel the room closing in on me. In a rush, a man stands from his place, as if he can tolerate this indecency no longer. He makes fun of You, tearing down Your character – because of me! Now I've hurt You and embarrassed You… I never wanted that... But You – You look at me without accusation and anger. Your eyes hold no threat to me. Then, You simply respond to him, putting his perspective where it should be. You use kind and supportive words, encouraging my actions... You look into my eyes again... Softly tell me that I am forgiven... Hearing those words, my heart soars! An eagle could not have gained this height – and at that very moment, every part of my life has changed. You helped me to stand – even though I felt weak. You became not only my Savior but also my Strength. My heart yearns to see You – and longs to know You more, The Thankful Sinner  Printer Friendly Version Archives | Tell Your Friends | Submit a Devotion |
 Luke 7:37-50 (ESV) 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among? themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” • Read Chapter • Listen to Chapter |
