Simon and the Unnamed Woman -Part 2

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...The Pharisee could not believe what he was witnessing. How dare she? How dare He?! Did neither of them understand?? How could this woman come into his house? After he had done all the work and managed finally to get this Man away from the stifling crowds. After he had worked so hard at being just the right kind of person who could confidently and rightfully invite a person of Jesus’ standing into his home.

 Did this interloper really think he would let her get away with this nonsense? And what about this Guest of his? How could He allow her get within touching distance? Did He not know what kind of woman she was? Any true prophet worth his salt would know better. This was proof positive that this Jesus was in fact no prophet after all. Just as he probably was discreetly signaling one of his servants to remove the “embarrassment” from his home as speedily as possible, all the while making mental notes to fire whoever was in charge of ensuring that there were no undesirables at his gathering, Jesus turned and looked directly at him. It was as if time itself stood still. Jesus, for the first time in recorded scripture, addressed the Pharisee, not by title, but by name. “Simon,” He said, “I have something to say to you…” to which Simon responded “Master, say on.” Immediately apparent is the switch that had just occurred. In one move, Jesus had executed His masterstroke.

Simon And The Unnamed Woman -Part 1

This is the account of the age-old battle between the law and grace. A battle that Jesus came to end once and for all. We begin with a member of a group of people called the Pharisees. We see how one of them desired Jesus; which is a fascinating turn of events, because the Pharisees and Jesus were not exactly best friends at the time. This Pharisee however, was different from the rest. I had always been of the misconception that the person who invited Jesus into his house was just some random rich guy, similar perhaps to Zaccheus. I was wrong. There was nothing random about this story. Each cast member, unbeknownst to them, had been specifically selected for the role of a lifetime.

In order to get close enough to Jesus to even extend an invitation, the Pharisee would most probably have tracked His movements. He was not a hard Man to find, His miracles drew people to Him in untold numbers. No. The trick was finding Him alone . He probably secretly attended Jesus’ teachings, pondering all the while how best to reach Him. Something about this controversial Rabbi drew the Pharisee. Some unseen force propelled him. A persistent quiet voice in his ear constantly urging him to pursue this Man. He wanted…. No…needed to speak with Jesus one on one. 

Ladies, Change Your Mind

Every challenge in our lives has been overcome with one key principle – the renewed mind. That doesn't say that we have overcome much at all, in fact the reverse is true, each day poses its own challenges. But even though this is true, we do not approach them with the same desperation and bleakness we did before because we, as it were, have received a master key - the renewed mind. The greatest thing you can say to an unbeliever is “be born again". 

The greatest message you can preach to a believer is “change your mind!”  To live differently, we must change our mindsets from how we previously viewed things.  There is no make-over like a Holy Spirit make – over. I have been for the better part of my life, a person who struggled and lost the battle with a low estimation of myself. There were times I hated myself so deeply, I couldn't stand to look at myself in the mirror. I struggled with weight issues.

I Never EVER content with the way my body was at any given time. As such I didn't see how my husband or anyone for that matter, could love me or be satisfied with the way I looked. This, in turn, bred fear. It was just a cocktail of disastrous outcomes waiting to happen. I allowed the devil unrestricted access to my mind (by not seeking the vital attention I needed) I believed lies about who I was. I now know better. The trick of the enemy – his ace – is ISOLATION. Add isolation to any other weakness or sin, and what might have been otherwise a small matter quickly becomes a deadly situation.