Topic: End the tears

 Text: Luke 7: 36 -39, 48-50

Key verse: “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.” Verse 37

In our text today we read about a woman referred to as a sinner, she has become famous today because of her alabaster box. Songs have been written about her extravagant gift, countless messages preached about her.

Why she was called by that name is not known, but it’s easy to imagine she must have been a wayward person or even a prostitute. She cried so much at the feet of Jesus publicly, not minding what anybody was saying that l wonder how often and how long she must have cried in secret. That day, she determined to end the tears.

Sitting in darkness is living a life of continued weeping, without being comforted because of guilt or shame ; and asking questions without receiving the right answers.

It is also a place of unforgiveness – where you refuse to forgive yourself for avoidable mistakes. Sometimes, it is people who you hold in high esteem who let you down, and you resolve never to forgive. This is a very dark place to be.

An unforgiving person is a sinful person! You are in your own prison, holding the key to your own freedom. Often the devil whispers to you to delay giving the gift of forgiveness until the one who offended you apologizes.

Even when the apology comes, it cannot undo the damage, neither can it heal the wound, it simply soothes your pride and ego.

When you sit in the dark room of unforgiveness, you are in a dangerous place. Your own sins begin to accumulate before God making you a candidate of judgement: outer darkness.

Can you see the light today? This woman took the initiative to walk out of her darkness towards the light of the world, Jesus to seek forgiveness that only he could give.

 Forgiveness is a gift, it is not earned. Give it freely, generously and light will flood your life today in Jesus name. Forgive yourself and others so God can forgive your sins too.

You will not be able to change the past, but you have a clean sheet of paper to write a new story. Joseph did it, his story ended so well that generations are still reading and studying about his life.

Receive strength today to walk out of the prison of guilt in Jesus name, amen!

Blessings

Roses & Thorns