February 7, 2020

February 7

Running with Jesus

Luke 7:43-47   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.

      Neglecting Jesus! This Pharisee invited Jesus to his home but neglected to do the customary acts of kindness shown to a visitor in their homes. There enters a woman, considered an outcast that a Pharisee wouldn't allow to touch them, with tears washes his dung covered feet. She proceeds to dry them with her hair and pours expensive cologne on them! Why?  This woman got it and knew what forgiveness was like. She was in desperate need for her soul; she was in turmoil and anguish. She recognizes Jesus was what she needed and crossed custom standards to reach Him. 

      Let's think about neglecting Jesus. How about you, stop right now and think about this past week. Have you been spending time with your guest, Jesus? He is there in the living room of your heart just waiting on you to come and go running with Him. What is causing you to not go? Let's think! I need to go shopping, I'll do the laundry then I'll stop, oh I need to call my friend, ok my favorite show is on, let me check my Facebook for the 25th time today! Okay for my guys a little golfing, hunting or fishing!  You get the picture neglecting Jesus has dire consequences. We spend so much time, energy and money on all the things that will not help our souls and give no lasting satisfaction! 

       Our souls are screaming, weeping and seeking to find some sort of rest from all the struggles of life! We must stop and focus on Jesus to find the key to a happy life! If we choose as the religious Pharisees not to see ourselves as sinners in need of Jesus, we will never find life! They were religious men. They did all the outward "appearances". Wore the robes, talked the talk but never came to the walk! They neglected all the truths they heard because they would have had to deal with the fact they were a sinner. This woman new the pitiful state she was in, saw them in the light of pure Holy Jesus, dropped and humbled herself to get to kneel at His feet. Have you ever dropped at His feet! Her actions revealed her humility and her acts of services was the evidence she had enrolled in the run with Jesus!

      If you say you know Jesus but never do acts of service I would say you better make sure you have not neglected to recognize who He is and who you are! Watch being religious and make sure you are regenerated! A regenerated runner will be there for Jesus and run to help others. 

  So are you neglecting or running?

Oh Father, we are forever grateful for forgiving us. Here we are today lifting Your name in praise and ready for our assignment for the day. Show us ways to wash people's feet as we run around with today. Help us not neglect You and Your work. You are our Stabilizer and Energizer. Let us show others, as this woman did, what You have done for us as we run with You today! We want others to see You in us! 

What's choking the word out of your life? Be back tomorrow!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015