Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: REDUCE (11/05/15)
-
TITLE: Love Runs Out | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sherry Hoffcastel
11/11/15 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
When he found me I was a bloody stain on the floor of humanity, broken and relegated to the furthest reaches of society. I was an outcast because my sinful lifestyle rendered me unclean. Yet he saw me. He saw the woman in me that nobody else was willing to look upon. His piercing eyes gazed into the very depths of my soul and he did not turn away. He showed me kindness when the rest of the world showed contempt or fear. When they had their stones raised in condemnation, he alone stood in my defense. He shielded me from their accusations, their hateful stares, and their tireless rebukes.
I do not deny my guilt. I know who I am and what I have done. That is why his words continue to echo in my thoughts, relentless and unyielding. “Go and sin no more.” In one command he has forged a way for me to release everything I was, everything I am. His forgiveness is the gavel that pardons me. For this reason I owe him my life; for this reason I go to him now. It is just a bottle of perfume but it is the only thing of value in my possession. I hope it is enough.
The door opens and I can feel the stares like a heavy garment cloaked around my body. The guests stiffen as I enter, eyes averted, voices ceased. They question why I am here, why I am disrupting their time with the Master. They cannot comprehend my great need for him. His eyes meet mine from across the room. I see a love and acceptance I have never known before. It is all I can do not to hold back a rush of emotion. I approach him softly, oblivious to the growing discontent of those around me.
Everything fades into the background as I kneel and gather his feet into my hands. Weeping openly, I relinquish years of depression, fear, envy, and rage. The guilt and shame that held me in their iron clutches is released. Never again will I be a slave to their taunts. Never again will I be imprisoned by their demonic voices, constant reminders of my own unworthiness.
His tired, dirty feet cleanse me from every trace of unrighteousness. My hair flows in a fluid movement with my tears; I claim his peace as my own, binding it to my head as a covering. I soak in his goodness and grace as if I were a thirsty child. The jar of Spikenard rests at my side and I remove the cork. I begin to pour…
Oppression flees as the steady trickle of oil is spent. Adoration claims its honored place within me. All glory, majesty, and praise rise to meet my Lord as the oil flows. Humility has brought me here and I cannot hold back the tide of my devotion. I pour slowly, not wishing to waste a single drop. Exultation emanates from my spirit as the vessel and I become one being. I hear Jesus conversing with Simon. Again I am rebuked. Simon is aggravated by my presence and my wastefulness offends him. He does not understand the burning need to anoint my Lord. I calm as I hear Jesus defend me. Gratitude gives way to worship as the vessel depletes…
A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth; I make no effort hide my joy. I am aglow, lifting silent songs of rapture to my Master, the God who redeemed me and brought me back to life. He tells me that I am free, that my faith has saved me. I am His now; I am born again. The vessel stands empty and is now reduced to a simple clay jar, a symbol of a life filled with new purpose. Like the oil the jar inhabited, the past has been wiped clean by the dirty feet of a Jewish carpenter. Ensconced within holds a bright new future filled with endless possibilities. For the first time in my life I look forward to the promise of tomorrow, clinging to new hope as an anchor for my soul…
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Stirring words, indeed. My favorite line was, "I was a bloody stain on the floor of humanity." This piece truly moved me.