Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Fragrance (10/24/05)
-
TITLE: Forgiveness' Fragrance | Previous Challenge Entry
By Amy Verlennich
10/30/05 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
As she approached the door, an overwhelming presence seemed to hold her back. She thought again about what she had set out to do.
Is this the right thing?
She paused a moment more, but then, she felt a release from the invisible hold on her, and she entered.
The house was impressive as she looked around. It was certainly nothing she was accustomed to being in. Only once had she been in a place as grand as this… the memory swept over her and she was filled with remorse.
It was another time… another place… I am different now. He will see it… He will see…
Smells of delicious foods permeated the air, making her mouth water. Surely she’d never tasted food and drink as fine as what was here today. She was hungry, but for more than just food. She was thirsty, but for so much more than wine.
My desire is for you… I come so hungry and thirsty… please fill me up…
As she entered the room, her eyes were drawn to him. There he was, among so many highly regarded others… She thought of her clothing for the first time since entering. She must have seemed a sight to those gathered there.
Will they see the sin covering me? Will they smell it from inside my soul?
She pushed aside the thought of rejection.
I am under these rags… there is more… He will see me… He will see…
She made her way to where he sat. Her nerves almost caused the small bottle she was holding to drop. She’d imagined seeing his face a million times. She’d dreamed of being in his presence. But now, as she stood there, she was speechless.
He looked at her with a love she had never known. He seemed to see through to her heart. She was overwhelmed, as years of shame poured out through her tears that fell on his feet. She had only her long hair to wipe them. So many years of turmoil… so much shame… she laid it all at his feet.
Kissing his feet, her tears continued to flow. Whispers from the men around her were almost deafening, but she continued to humble herself before her Master.
She then took the precious bottle. It was the only thing of value she owned, yet she willingly opened it, pouring it onto his feet. The sweet fragrance filled her nose, yet as she took in its sweet smell, her heart felt bitterness. She knew how the money had been made to buy such an item.
So many things done wrong… so many things… so many things…
As the last drop trickled out, she heard her Lord speak to one of the men he addressed as Simon. As he spoke, she paused and listened intently.
"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
She watched as Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.”
Jesus smiled, saying, “You have judged correctly.”
As he explained to everyone there, how none had welcomed him with the love she had shown, she hid her face behind her hair. She could feel their stares of disbelief as he said, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little, loves little."
Then, Jesus turned to her, lifting her head, saying, “Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
As she walked out into the street, she wept with joy at the evening’s events.
He saw me… He saw all of me… and He still forgave me…
His words echoed in her mind, ‘Your sins are forgiven… your sins are forgiven…’
Of everything that happened that night, those words she would never forget…
…and she never did.
(Taken from Luke 7:36-50.)
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
It is all well written, and transported me to the room. Great job. :) Karen