Journal Luke 7 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: (Jesus responding to Simon’s answer to a question): “Therefore I tell you, her sins (which are many) are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
And (Jesus) said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?”
And (Jesus) said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:47-50
Observation: Referring to the post of the previous day, examining myself, am I floored by the impact of my forgiven sin, or do I not consider it much anymore?
Do I think about the Gospel and being forgiven much, or am I now “forgiven little” and put that impact on the back burner of faith of assumption?
Analysis: When was the last time I thought about the Gospel, preached the Gospel to myself, and got choked up?
It has been a long time.
More often, it gives me sobering pause, especially when I write—I truly make an effort in these to write to myself and only secondarily to readers (assuming these get read at all).
I try to catch myself not falling victim to “assuming Faith”, a coined term. Actually, I will bet that there have been many who have noticed the tendency in so-called believers and either use this term or something much better to describe it.
This scripture reference is about Worship, not service. Because “love” is in the sentence, I am sure that many may think about “loving” someone else satisfies meeting the requirement of the scripture.
Naw, this is about loving the Savior; worshiping the Savior; being demonstrative about worshiping the Triune God—in the same manner that the “woman of the town” was doing, shedding tears, anointing with oil, all before Jesus declared that her faith has saved her. She recognized the Savior with deeds and perhaps recognized “I am begging for my life when I know that I don’t deserve even the slightest leniency.”
Do I love much because I am diligently searching the Gospel and all its depths?
Or do I love little because I am assuming upon God’s grace?
Prayer: Father, I am entering a sobering part of my life, I think. Your Word is true. Your Word is faithful. Your Word is light on my path and guidance to my feet.
Why, then, do I feel like I fall short? Make fiery work in my heart and mind, O God. Make me an instrument of Grace.
Amen.
Ricky Two Shoes