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A Truly New Year (Luke 7:37-38 KJV) “And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.” Can we carry all of our greatest worldly possessions in one small box? If we could, are we willing to pour them all out at the feet of Jesus Christ? So many times self- made agendas, numerous desires, and worldly commitments keep us from being free to have lives of quality worship, and truly intimate relationships with the Lord. Luke said that the woman in this story was a sinner, a prostitute hopelessly trapped in sin and condemnation. All of her life’s savings were in that little box. She poured it out in worship and repentance before the Lord, signifying that He was worth more to her than all that she had. At the same time she was indicating her willingness to give up her old way of living and thinking in exchange for trusting Him Who was able to keep her body, soul, mind and spirit. Jesus confirmed her actions as He said to her: “…Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” (Luke: 37:50 KJV). (John 4:24 KJV) “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” We want to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, but do we accomplish that goal? The woman with the alabaster box of oil did. With so much to think about, and so much to do in this modern day, do we really take the time to get in the Spirit? What does it take to get the mind of Christ? Sometimes we just have to stop what we are doing, forsake the opportunities the world offers us, and deny the satisfactions that come from increases and indulgence, choosing instead to put our all into the kingdom of God. Beware, we must never let a spirit of religious complacency replace our zeal for Jesus Christ and His church. (Luke 18:10-14 KJV) “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” To trust in our own strength is futile; even our righteousness is counted as filthy rags before God. All that is done in our lives through Christ will come to pass only as we humble ourselves in His sight. Truly, the meek shall inherit the earth. Believe God for the fullness of life in Christ Jesus, count everything else as dung, no matter what it is worth to the world. If we let our faith arise, humble ourselves before the Lord, and forsake anything that tries to keep us from His perfect will, this new year can be truly different than any other year we have lived thus far. -Kurt Thurston January Newsletter 2002 | Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth | A Truly New Year Pastor's Journal January 2001 | Beggar or Son? | Heart of the Matter |
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
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