Outside the Boundaries

~~~ 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 ~~~ Psalm 118 ~~~ Luke 7:36-50 ~~~

The gift of anointing...the gift of debt forgiveness.

The gift of humility...the gift of power...

Jesus accepted the invitation to dine in the home of a Pharisee.
Jesus made the effort to draw his greatest critics into
opening their minds and hearts.

We do not know the exact circumstances but a 'sinful' woman
came to Jesus while he was reclining at table with the Pharisee.
She carried with her an alabaster flask of ointment.
The Pharisee is quick to pass judgment not only on the woman
but also on Jesus for not knowing what a sinful life this woman led.

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received:
that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures;
that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day 
in accordance with the Scriptures...

This sinful woman saw something in Jesus
 that the Pharisee never saw.
Do you have the courage to go out of your comfort zone for God?
Are your actions always within the acceptable range?
This woman acted in spite of the possible consequences.
Would you consider that too risky?

But by the grace of God I am what I am...

By the grace of God we can go beyond...we can live on the edge.

Do not ever become satisfied with your spiritual progress.
There is always better.
There is always deeper holiness.

There is always a more sustaining joy.
There is always numerous ways to love.
There is always reason to forgive.

 ...the grace of God that is with me.

All of the above are possible with this hidden
 yet present force called grace.

The gift of God's grace was present in the sinful woman
who knelt and wept at the feet of Jesus.

Grace was a living force at work in the life of Saint Paul.
Grace is within you too.
You cannot feel grace or hear it or or see it,
but the truth remains grace is real.

Blessed to have God's grace.
Blessed to know it will take me and support me
outside the boundaries of my box.
~~~Peace~~~