“Joyful tears cannot be contained where the warm presence of God is so strong that eyes of faith are almost blinded by His bright light of love.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 24, 2022
Then she begins to cry, she kneels down so her tears fall on Jesus’ feet, and she starts wiping His feet with her own hair. Then she actually kisses His feet, and she pours the perfumed oil on them. Luke 7:38, VOICE
Happy tears happen when a heart is unable to contain the love of God, His provision or His blessings, as unfiltered emotion erupts from a grateful heart. Joyful tears cannot be contained where the warm presence of God is so strong that eyes of faith are almost blinded by His bright light of love. Salvation. Relational reconciliation. Physical healing. Financial provision. A prodigal child back home. A hug. A smile. A new job. A work promotion. Forgiveness. A tear.
Grace is able to expand relational capacity, multiply resources and give back more than was lost.
A woman known in town as a professional “sinner” (a prostitute), follows Jesus into the house of Simon, a professional “saint” (a Pharisee). She illustrates pure love and gratitude to the One who had given her hope, forgiveness and a life. Jesus was one of the first men to see her as a woman needing His kind, comforting, selfless, authentic love. Tears turned on like a faucet forming puddles on the top of Jesus’ feet. Feeling unworthy, with a burst of grateful energy, she turned a muddy mess into a worshipful foot washing for her new found Savior. Not content to just cleanse her Lord’s feet with a perfumed ointment, she kisses the feet of Christ with lips once soiled by sin…now she kisses the feet of God. Happy tears for forgiveness and for experiencing real love!
“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little…Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:47, 50).
Charles Spurgeon captures this electrifying moment of the women’s act of love, forgiveness and exhortation to go in peace, “She had a choice blessing in hearing from His own lips that her faith was firmly based and that she was indeed forgiven. Then she received a direction from Him as to what to do— “Go in peace.” A forgiven sinner is anxious to know what he may do to please his Lord. “Show me what thou wouldst have me to do,” was Paul’s prayer. So, our Lord Jesus seemed to say, “Beloved, do not stop here battling with these Pharisees. Do not tarry in this crowd of cavilers. Go home in perfect peace, and as you have made home unhappy by your sin, make it holy by your example.” A bold act of love transformed her into a lovely woman of peace.
When was the last time or have you ever, celebrated God’s blessings and love with tears of happiness gushing with gratitude? If never, or if it’s been a while, give some serious thought and prayer to how far the Lord has brought you and where His loving presence wants to take you. Uncelebrated blessings are like experiencing a sunrise/sunset and not becoming breathless by the stunning beauty, or watching a child move toward you with a smile, hug you with a messy kiss and not be moved by her innocent love. Or, maybe you take for granted that once you were blind, but now you see, the novelty of forgiveness has become transactional not transformational. When the Spirit ambushes you with joy—don’t hold back, rather let your heart sing with grateful tears.
“Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet” (Luke 7:44-45).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you for your generous forgiveness and for your perfect peace that calms my heart, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What blessing is the Lord calling me to pause and celebrate with grateful joy?
Related Reading
Psalm 126:5; Isaiah 16:9; 2 Timothy 1:4; 1John 1:4
Worship Resource
Motion Worship: Joy Song
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
