Monday, November 13, 2023

He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.

Proverbs 19:17

He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.

Proverbs 14: 31

Last week we focused on stewardship, going beyond our normal level of giving to impact people and causes in need of assistance. This week we’ll study five more people from the Bible who used and managed their resources and spiritual gifts for the glory of God and for the betterment of man.

We begin with the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her hair. Luke 7, beginning at verse 36 says that a Pharisee asked Jesus to eat with him, so Jesus did. A sinful woman living in the town found out that Jesus was dining at the Pharisee’s house. She brought a jar of perfume and stood behind Jesus at his feet crying. The Word said she began to wash his feet with her tears, and she dried them with her hair, kissing them many times and rubbing them with the perfume. Later in that chapter, Jesus declared that this woman’s sins were forgiven and that she had shown great love.

Although not conclusive, some Bible scholars believe this woman was Mary Magdelene, possibly a prostitute and the woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons. Who she was is not so important. What is most important is the love she showed Jesus. Washing feet, back in those days, was a sign of humility and servanthood. I am a crier, and when I feel the presence of his Spirit, tears just flow. I can only imagine how impactful it must have been to be in Jesus’ presence face-to-face. Personally, I believe the tears just flowed. Finally, the perfume was precious and costly. It was among, if not, the very best. Combined, her actions showed her love. Scholars conclude that she recognized Christ’s worth and value. As events unfold later in each of the gospels, everyone would know that he is the Messiah, the “anointed one.”

If Jesus was in our presence, what would we give? How would we treat him?

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for reminding me that how I treat the downtrodden, the poor, the forgotten, the sick, the elderly, the mentally ill, the homeless, orphans, whom I see every day is reflective of my love for you. Lead me by your Spirit to be your hands and feet. Remind me that each act of kindness and compassion is an act of worship. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.