TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Luke 7:40-8:3
Acts 3:12-21

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted,
that your sins may be blotted out…”

OF SERVANTS AND DEBTORS

Jesus gave a parable to explain the situation in the previous passage. He described two debtors: one owed much more than the other. Both were forgiven by the creditor. Jesus then asked which of the two would love the creditor more. The Pharisee answered correctly, not realizing that he was the one being rebuked by the parable. He is like many professing Christians today who do not love God as much as they should because they do not realize how much they owe God. Many believe in Jesus not because they have understood their guilt of sin against a Holy God, but for the convenience of their own lives. They think Christianity is equal to financial prosperity! Isaiah 29:13 says, “Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.”

Jesus explained to the Pharisee that the woman’s actions revealed her true repentance. Her service was to God a sweeter smelling savour than the Pharisee’s for he was full of self-righteousness. Jesus explained that his offering Him a meal in his house was nothing without a genuine change in his life. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19).

Jesus demonstrated through this parable how He freely forgives sins. Regardless of the Pharisee’s contempt, Jesus showed His mercy and grace upon the woman for she had faith in Him and was truly repentant. Jesus did not stop there but continued to preach and shew glad tidings to many. Many of the women who received healing followed Him. Those who had seen God’s light of salvation ministered to Jesus with their substance. We who have experienced the great deliverance of God must come forward to serve Him. Saints are not on altars to be served, but before the altar to serve!

THOUGHT: Am I saved by grace alone through faith alone?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I appreciate Thy abundant grace and everlasting mercy upon me, a vile sinner.