"We are more wicked than we ever dared believe, but more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared hope – at the very same time." ~Timothy Keller
I heard this quote a year or so ago, and the words struck a deep chord within me. The more I marvel in the depth of the Gospel, I find this idea to be completely true. On my own, I am utterly desperate, lost, and awful. I have failed. I am a sinner. Yet in that same breath, I find that Jesus' love for me is deeper, richer, and beautiful in the most opposite extreme. I acknowledge my need for a Savior, and I find it in Jesus Christ, the only way, truth, and life. The more I see my need for Jesus, the more I love Him and the more overflowing my heart is in thankfulness that He has saved me, made me new, and calls me a daughter of the King.
This reminds me of an incredible story in Luke 7. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at a table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner." ... Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven -- for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little." And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." ... And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (Luke 7:37-39, 44-50)
I believe that this woman was seeing the truth of the Gospel when she encountered Jesus. She knew she was unworthy, and she knew that He was the answer. She couldn't contain her thankfulness nor did she want to. She offered everything she could give in worship of Him. Perhaps you see yourself in these verses. I know I do...
I Am Her
I am her.
I have done wrong, sinned, chosen self over glorifying God.
I am her.
I have heard that Jesus is near and I'm drawn. I cannot stay away.
I am her.
What do I, a sinner, have to offer? I bring the most fragile and precious thing I carry, my heart.
I am her.
In His presence I drop to my knees, unworthy before my Savior. The tears cannot be contained, and I let them wash over His feet.
I am her.
I kiss His feet and dry them with my hair. I am humbled before my Creator.
I am her.
I take the perfume and pour every drop upon Him. It's everything I have to offer. I surrender my life; my all in all, I give it to you, Jesus.
I am her.
Others may scoff and remind me that I am unworthy. "Jesus, do you know who she is?"
I am her.
Kneeling at His feet, Jesus takes in a desperate daughter and calls me His.
I am her.
I love much, for my many sins have been forgiven. Purchased by the blood of Christ, I am covered in His righteousness. I am worthy because He alone is worthy.
I am her.
I have faith, I am rescued, I am loved, and I am remade.
Yes, I am her. And I am forever HIS.
