Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” Luke 7:36-40 NKJV
Omniscient (all knowing) God,
We read again today about what Jesus did and said at Simon the Pharisees house. A story of every day events. Like being invited to a meal. Jesus took up the invitation. And as the scene unfolds someone uninvited arrives, and not one of Simon’s circle. Would I have responded like Simon to a dubiously dressed gate crasher? Then I notice in verse 39 that Simon did not speak out loud. But we hear his thoughts! Luke would not have explained this unless it was important. Simons inner dialogue is not mentioned like this in the other gospels (Matthew 26:8-9; Mark 14:4; John 12:4-5).
Then I remembered Simeon who said to Mary Jesus mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”(Luke 2:34-35).
Our talking to ourselves, our internal monologue helps us know our thoughts and emotions and gives us time to assess them before we say anything! And these thoughts You know all about. You, Lord used the opportunity to teach Simon not to judge and showed it by Jesus loving reaction to the repentant woman.
Help us be aware of our inner dialogue and let You correct it so we can learn like Simon not to take our forgiveness for granted or jump to conclusions or take the high ground.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Omniscient (all knowing) God,
For our family and friends and neighbours. Each one individually a touch from You.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Opportunity to share the gospel.
For the royal family. To be able to plan and execute their duties in this run up to the election.
For our nation and Government at this time of words and more words. Truth and honesty.
For Ukraine, show Your power for peace and disassemble this war. Deal with Putin and His advisors.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. We despair but turn our hopes to You for a way to peace.
For families in half term to be able to do things together and teachers to be rested and refreshed.
For the overseas missions we support to prosper and grow. Give vision to the leaders.
For those who do not see people as unique and valuable. Who enslave, bully, abuse. Interrupt their inner dialogue, change hearts.
For those who liberate and offer sanctuary to endangered men and women and children.
For us to invite You to be with us and remind, restore to us the joy of Your salvation (Psalm 51:12)
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 29th May 2024
One traditional hymn and one more recent – take your choice or both . . .
Lyrics: Edwin Hatch 1878
The simplicity of this profound hymn belies the education and knowledge of its author, Edwin Hatch (1835-1889). It was inspired by John 20:21-22: “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even, so send I you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (RSV) The passage in John correlates with Genesis 2:7 where “the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” The author invokes the Holy Spirit to come into his life and transform it. Using the first-person perspective adds to the hymn’s power to all who sing it to seek the breath of God (Genesis 2:7) as a source for life and renewal.
Lyrics: Jason Ingram, Chris Tomlin, Brenton Brown, Pat Barrett 2021