The Desire of Ages--62--The Feast at Simon's House

[Beacon]

Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, very sinful. You may be; but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns no weeping, contrite one away. He does not tell to any all that He might reveal, but He bids every trembling soul take courage. Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration. Christ might commission the angels of heaven to pour out the vials of His wrath on our world, to destroy those who are filled with hatred of God. He might wipe this dark spot from His universe. But He does not do this. He is today standing at the altar of incense, presenting before God the prayers of those who desire His help

1 John 1:9 says... "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" This is why Jesus came to Earth - He paid the price for our sin at Calvary so that He might offer us eternal life. Some people get excited about winning the lottery but what Jesus is offering us IS SO MUCH BETTER!! It is for ALL Eternity and He promises us that SIN will never again rise up to spoil His Universe.  In Matthew we read these words....Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? This world is soon to pass away...If you haven't taken Jesus up on this awesome offer, I beg you to reconsider.

"The souls that turn to Him for refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing and the strife of tongues. No man or evil angel can impeach these souls. Christ unites them to His own divine-human nature. They stand beside the great Sin Bearer, in the light proceeding from the throne of God. "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Romans 8:33, 34. "

[Richard Myers]

"The souls that turn to Him for refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing and the strife of tongues. No man or evil angel can impeach these souls. Christ unites them to His own divine-human nature. They stand beside the great Sin Bearer, in the light proceeding from the throne of God." Amen Brother Beacon!  If Christ be for us, who can be against us!!

There is an important lesson for us in the sacrifice Mary made to bless Jesus.

"As He went down into the darkness of His great trial, He carried with Him the memory of that deed, an earnest of the love that would be His from His redeemed ones forever.   
     Many there are who bring their precious gifts for the dead. As they stand about the cold, silent form, words of love are freely spoken. Tenderness, appreciation, devotion, all are lavished upon one who sees not nor hears. Had these words been spoken when the weary spirit needed them so much, when the ear could hear and the heart could feel, how precious would have been their fragrance!"

This brings back to memory when Jesus longed for sympathy in the Garden when His Father withdrew His beams of light and love. He got none. How very sad! But, what Mary had done was not forgotten. We may make Jesus happy today.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon! And Amen, Brother Richard!

When Jesus has the whole heart, even the motives upon which we will respond to His grace are pure and and unselfish. Mary's act revealed her truly converted experience, and why she was "all in" with showing how much she appreciated His forgiveness. If we are "forgiven little" in the sense that we have not let Jesus cleanse the WHOLE HEART from sin, then there is still seen the coldness and indifference of Simon (who thankfully was led to repentance fully by the way Jesus so kindly treated him). May we remember that in all of God's dealings, He is after our hearts. Unless the whole heart is yielded to Him, we will consider it a "waste" to serve God (because we are reasoning from selfish motives). Only those who let God do the miracle of transforming them by taking the "risk" of fully surrendering to Christ will ever know the joy and love and peace (and all the others fruits of the Spirit) that come when the fallen nature is crucified, and we are abiding in Him. (It is not a real risk to surrender fully to God--it just feels like it to a naturally selfish being that wants to be in control. But when we keep our eyes on Calvary, we find that the great "risk" was already taken, and the best thing we can possibly do is simply surrender all and continue to let Jesus do a work of transformation in our lives moment by moment.) Then, fully surrendered to Christ no matter what the cost, we can be happy, peaceful and obedient because Christ is all in all!

"The Heart Searcher read the motive that led to Mary's action, and He saw also the spirit that prompted Simon's words. 'Seest thou this woman?' He said to him. She is a sinner. 'I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 567, paragraph 3}

As we see the greatness of the sins that we have committed against God in leading to Jesus' death for us, let us ever remember that God is love, and that that love will melt our hearts as we behold it. Only by love is love awakened.   

[Dorine]

If we are ever tempted to pass judgment upon others may this statement loom before us to remind us of who we really are.

"While Mary was a sinner pardoned, he (Simon) was a sinner unpardoned. The rigid rule of justice he had desired to enforce against her condemned him."
Then Jesus touches Simon's heart like nothing else could.
    Simon was touched by the kindness of Jesus in not openly rebuking him before the guests. He had not been treated as he desired Mary to be treated. He saw that Jesus did not wish to expose his guilt to others, but sought by a true statement of the case to convince his mind, and by pitying kindness to subdue his heart. Stern denunciation would have hardened Simon against repentance, but patient admonition convinced him of his error. He saw the magnitude of the debt which he owed his Lord. His pride was humbled, he repented, and the proud Pharisee became a lowly, self-sacrificing disciple.

What an example of compassion and love that Jesus wants to plant within the heart of each professed child of God.

[Dorine]

"Mary knew not the full significance of her deed of love. She could not answer her accusers. She could not explain why she had chosen that occasion for anointing Jesus. The Holy Spirit had planned for her, and she had obeyed His promptings. Inspiration stoops to give no reason. An unseen presence, it speaks to mind and soul, and moves the heart to action. It is its own justification."   

The Holy Spirit is constantly speaking to our hearts and only when we give ourselves like Mary did can He work out His plans for our lives. I am filled with shame to think of the times that I have hushed His voice because I did not want to be embarrassed or rejected. What a lesson Mary has for us. Perfect love casteth out all fear.

May we take the time each day to gratefully reflect on what Jesus has done for each one of us and recommit our lives to Him each morning.

Thank you Jesus for your tender compassion for sinners. Thank You that no sin is too great for you to forgive when we come to Your throne of grace in full surrender and repentance.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Sister Dorine!

We may never know until we get to heaven how much depended upon that tender, kind word or that testimony shared in due season. As we respond to the drawing love of Christ and let Him transform us to be His witnesses, let not your heart be troubled, and remember that He sees you with infinite possibilities of hope and healing! Mary was enabled by the grace of God to look away from herself and keep her eyes fixed on Jesus, and in His presence she found her true identity, purpose and value. We are of infinite value to God, for an infinite price was paid for us in the blood shed for us upon Calvary's cross. As we look upon the faces of others today, let us remember how Jesus' loving intercessory prayers and love transformed her from a sinner into a saint! We have the privilege of being able to experience this miracle in our own hearts as we yield unreservedly to Jesus! That full surrender to His Holy Spirit to abide in us brings all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, and empowers us to be living witnesses for Him!

"When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless, Christ saw in Mary capabilities for good. He saw the better traits of her character. The plan of redemption has invested humanity with great possibilities, and in Mary these possibilities were to be realized. Through His grace she became a partaker of the divine nature. The one who had fallen, and whose mind had been a habitation of demons, was brought very near to the Saviour in fellowship and ministry. It was Mary who sat at His feet and learned of Him. It was Mary who poured upon His head the precious anointing oil, and bathed His feet with her tears. Mary stood beside the cross, and followed Him to the sepulcher. Mary was first at the tomb after His resurrection. It was Mary who first proclaimed a risen Saviour." {The Desire of Ages, page 568, paragraph 2}

God intended that each of us would reflect His loveliness of character, and it is by beholding that we become changed. Let us look away from self to the lovely face of Jesus, so we may be renewed in mind and character as witnesses of healing grace both now and for all of eternity! 

[Beacon]

Simon was touched by the kindness of Jesus in not openly rebuking him before the guests. He had not been treated as he desired Mary to be treated. [/b][/u]He saw that Jesus did not wish to expose his guilt to others, but sought by a true statement of the case to convince his mind, and by pitying kindness to subdue his heart. Stern denunciation would have hardened Simon against repentance, but patient admonition convinced him of his error. He saw the magnitude of the debt which he owed his Lord. His pride was humbled, he repented, and the proud Pharisee became a lowly, self-sacrificing disciple.

Jesus says to each of us....if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all generously and without reproach; and it will be given to him. James 1:5

"The plan of redemption has invested humanity with great possibilities, and in Mary these possibilities were to be realized. Through His grace she became a partaker of the divine nature. The one who now had fallen, and whose mind had been a habitation of demons, was brought very near to the Saviour in fellowship and ministry.

It was Mary who sat at His feet and learned of Him. It was Mary who poured upon His head the precious anointing oil, and bathed His feet with her tears. Mary stood beside the cross, and followed Him to the sepulcher. Mary was first at the tomb after His resurrection. It was Mary who first proclaimed a risen Saviour.

 Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, very sinful. You may be; but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns no weeping, contrite one away. He does not tell to any all that He might reveal, but He bids every trembling soul take courage. Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration."

AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS THE GROUND IS LEVEL --- AND " ALL " ARE WELCOME!!  ISN'T THAT GREAT NEWS!!

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon!!

I love how Jesus sees us--with love, compassion and infinite possibilities. When we are tempted to look at others ourselves as hopeless, let us remember what Jesus' grace did for Mary and Simon, and how their whole hearts were won to Christ when they realized and experienced the love of God in their hearts. Let us go forth today to diffuse the light of God's love and see people for who they can be in Christ--because we cost Him an infinite price of suffering, and He values us more than we can ask or think!

"When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless, Christ saw in Mary capabilities for good. He saw the better traits of her character. The plan of redemption has invested humanity with great possibilities, and in Mary these possibilities were to be realized. Through His grace she became a partaker of the divine nature. The one who had fallen, and whose mind had been a habitation of demons, was brought very near to the Saviour in fellowship and ministry. It was Mary who sat at His feet and learned of Him. It was Mary who poured upon His head the precious anointing oil, and bathed His feet with her tears. Mary stood beside the cross, and followed Him to the sepulcher. Mary was first at the tomb after His resurrection. It was Mary who first proclaimed a risen Saviour." {The Desire of Ages, page 568, paragraph 2}

What a Savior we have in Jesus! A whole-heart surrender motivated by the love of Christ in light of our sinfulness is the power of the gospel at work to transform sinners into saints who reveal all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing and long to reveal Christ more and more to the world soon to perish, but given more grace that others may learn of Christ before He comes and also be transformed into His lovely image!

[Dorine]

.....But the atonement for a lost world was to be full, abundant, and complete. Christ's offering was exceedingly abundant to reach every soul that God had created. It could not be restricted so as not to exceed the number who would accept the great Gift. All men are not saved; yet the plan of redemption is not a waste because it does not accomplish all that its liberality has provided for. There must be enough and to spare.

Isn't it wonderful that Christ's sacrifice on the cross of Calvary covers every human being that has ever lived or will live if they accept Him as their personal Saviour and maintain that connection. Why would we ever refuse such a gift?

[Beacon]

"Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, very sinful. You may be; but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns no weeping, contrite one away. He does not tell to any all that He might reveal, but He bids every trembling soul take courage. Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration."

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

"The souls that turn to Him for refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing and the strife of tongues. No man or evil angel can impeach these souls. Christ unites them to His own divine-human nature. They stand beside the great Sin Bearer, in the light proceeding from the throne of God. "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Romans 8:33, 34. "

Matthew 11:28 says..." Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "

Are you willing to come to Jesus and let Him be your Savior & Guide? This is the BEST OFFER you will ever receive and it's FREE & GUARANTEED.

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon!  He knows all about us. Written in the records of heaven are not only our deeds and words, but our thoughts......and our motives. Yes, Jesus knows our very motives. He looks upon the heart and read them perfectly.

  The Heart Searcher read the motive that led to Mary's action, and He saw also the spirit that prompted Simon's words. "Seest thou this woman?" He said to him. She is a sinner. "I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little."   

[Dorine]

"Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, very sinful. You may be; but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns no weeping, contrite one away. He does not tell to any all that He might reveal, but He bids every trembling soul take courage. Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration."

Oh how I love these words. We can't fully comprehend the depth of love that Jesus has for each one. He went to the cross for all who would come to Him. The story of Mary gives us a glimpse into the magnitude of God's love. If He will accept and forgive Mary He will do the same for you and me. The person who has been forgiven the most, loves the most. Imagine being instantly given a clean slate as if you have never sinned. Wow, that is amazing. "Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me." All He asks from us is our hearts and to abide in Him each day. He then works in us to change us. This is a topic I never get bored or tired of contemplating for I am a sinner being saved by grace.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon, Brother Richard, and Sister Dorine!!

What infinite love we see in Jesus and how He pardoned and restored Mary! I find hope and encouragement that God can save me and ANYONE no matter how sinful if we will but learn to see the way God sees!

"When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless, Christ saw in Mary capabilities for good. He saw the better traits of her character. The plan of redemption has invested humanity with great possibilities, and in Mary these possibilities were to be realized. Through His grace she became a partaker of the divine nature. The one who had fallen, and whose mind had been a habitation of demons, was brought very near to the Saviour in fellowship and ministry. It was Mary who sat at His feet and learned of Him. It was Mary who poured upon His head the precious anointing oil, and bathed His feet with her tears. Mary stood beside the cross, and followed Him to the sepulcher. Mary was first at the tomb after His resurrection. It was Mary who first proclaimed a risen Saviour." {The Desire of Ages, page 568, paragraph 2}

We need to learn, through beholding Jesus' loveliness, to see people the way Jesus sees them. He sees hope where we see moral failure. Jesus sees possibilities where we would be tempted to "give up" on "that one." But as we review how God has dealt with us, let us ever remember that we have been great sinners and that Jesus has treated us like He treated Mary. Jesus saw the better traits of our character and desired to restore us to His image. What joy we may have as we marvel at His amazing grace that transforms sinners such as ourselves into redeemed saints who reveal all of the fruits of His Spirit without one missing, because we have learned that we would rather have Jesus than ANYTHING else!!

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Jesus loves you and has a perfect plan for your life. No matter what your past, and no matter what crisis is taking place in our world, you may freely come to Jesus as did Mary and become one of His "Final Moment Miracles"--a portrait of what His grace can do to transform the most sinful, broken and helpless soul into a new creation whose heart and mind are in fully surrendered harmony with the divine nature so that the attributes of heaven--love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance may flow forth through your soul as freely as did the anointing oil that Mary lavished on Jesus. Oh, how Jesus longs to see the revelation of His character in us!! As we come to Him in penitence and humiliation, realizing our continual need of Jesus, He lifts us into His service with a purpose and love that dispels our fears and gives us courage for the final crisis stealing upon our world! Let us look to Jesus, the amazing Savior who has never lost a case entrusted fully to Him!!

"Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, very sinful. You may be; but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns no weeping, contrite one away. He does not tell to any all that He might reveal, but He bids every trembling soul take courage. Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration." {The Desire of Ages, page 568, paragraph 3} 

Come as you are, for there is no other way to come to Christ. But give Jesus full permission to unite your finite weakness to His divine strength to keep you steadfast by the word of God, the transforming agency applied by the Holy Spirit in renewing us into the image of His purity! Oh, what wondrous love is this that Jesus would leave heaven to save such a worm as you and I! Jesus saves us not because we are are so good, but because He is so good, and He sees what we may become through His grace! Through the merits of Christ's blood each soul is of infinite value in God's sight, and we may so experience oneness with Christ that His light, His character, shines through to reach other hearts with hope in earth's final hour!

[Beacon]

"Many there are who bring their precious gifts for the dead. As they stand about the cold, silent form, words of love are freely spoken. Tenderness, appreciation, devotion, all are lavished upon one who sees not nor hears. Had these words been spoken when the weary spirit needed them so much, when the ear could hear and the heart could feel, how precious would have been their fragrance!"

No wonder the heart of Jesus was so touched by Mary's love when she anointed the feet of Jesus. Little did Mary know how encouraging that act was to Jesus as He contemplated the path to Calvary. Mary stood at the cross when most forsook Him and Mary was the first at the tomb on Sunday morning while the disciples were hiding in fear of priests and rulers of the temple. No wonder to her was given the privilege to be the first one seeing Jesus on Sunday Morning and would be the one designated to spread the Good News that Jesus was " ALIVE".

Have we not also been forgiven MUCH?  Let's determine anew today, to boldly show that love and appreciation, by sharing and telling the Good News about our Risen Saviour and His Redeeming Love and Pardoning Grace.

[Dorine]

"Simon now began to see himself in a new light. He saw how Mary was regarded by One who was more than a prophet. He saw that with keen prophetic eye Christ read her heart of love and devotion. Shame seized upon him, and he realized that he was in the presence of One superior to himself."

To know Jesus is to love Him. The story of Mary is probably one of most everyone's favorite. If God will forgive Mary He will forgive anyone who comes to Him in the same attitude as Mary. And what a witness she was. We have all sinned yet the mercy and love of Jesus reaches out to each one of us. As we behold Him, His grace transforms us. I read again Pastor Sean's testimony. He knows and understands the love and devotion that Mary had for Jesus because He too experienced the same transforming power that Mary did. Jesus is ready to do the same for anyone who realizes their need of Him and repents.

[Dorine]

"Mary had been looked upon as a great sinner, but Christ knew the circumstances that had shaped her life. He might have extinguished every spark of hope in her soul, but He did not. It was He who had lifted her from despair and ruin. Seven times she had heard His rebuke of the demons that controlled her heart and mind. She had heard His strong cries to the Father in her behalf. She knew how offensive is sin to His unsullied purity, and in His strength she had overcome."

Not only did Jesus forgive Mary he forgave her 7 times. No matter where we have been or what we have done there is no sin that Christ will not forgive. He knows our circumstances and motives just as He knew that of Mary, Simon and Judas. Mary and Simon repented when shown their sin but Judas was proud and indignant and hardened his heart towards the Saviour. In the strength of Jesus we too may overcome when we come to Him with a surrendered, humble heart.

Oh the wonderful lessons for us in these pages. May we like Mary think there is nothing too good or valuable to withhold from Jesus. We can never out give the Lord. When our cup of blessings is full and running over we must give to receive more.

[Beacon]

"The plan of redemption has invested humanity with great possibilities, and in Mary these possibilities were to be realized. Through His grace she became a partaker of the divine nature. The one who now had fallen, and whose mind had been a habitation of demons, was brought very near to the Saviour in fellowship and ministry."

"Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, very sinful. You may be; but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns no weeping, contrite one away. He does not tell to any all that He might reveal, but He bids every trembling soul take courage. Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration."

AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS THE GROUND IS LEVEL --- AND " ALL " ARE WELCOME!!  ISN'T THAT GREAT NEWS!!

HAPPY SABATH TO ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS AROUND THE WORLD.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

We may be lifted above the strife that is so prevalent by letting God's estimate of us be our focus. Mary Magdalene was transformed by grace, and we also may abide in Christ as did she. Let us allow all of the fruits of the Spirit to abide in our hearts by a living faith surrender to Christ!

"The souls that turn to Him for refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing and the strife of tongues. No man or evil angel can impeach these souls. Christ unites them to His own divine-human nature. They stand beside the great Sin Bearer, in the light proceeding from the throne of God. 'Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.' Romans 8:33, 34." {The Desire of Ages, page 586, paragraph 5}

Christ desires ALL of us to be in heaven. Let us look upon each soul as of infinite value--as they truly are in Christ!

[Dorine]

"Christ delighted in the earnest desire of Mary to do the will of her Lord. He accepted the wealth of pure affection which His disciples did not, would not, understand. The desire that Mary had to do this service for her Lord was of more value to Christ than all the precious ointment in the world, because it expressed her appreciation of the world's Redeemer. It was the love of Christ that constrained her. The matchless excellence of the character of Christ filled her soul. That ointment was a symbol of the heart of the giver. It was the outward demonstration of a love fed by heavenly streams until it overflowed."

We too may possess that love for Jesus that Mary so freely gave. It was not for show but was a deep expression from a humble and transformed heart that was filled with gratitude and love for what He had done for her. As we contemplate the cross today may we like Mary express our joy and happiness in Him with hearts filled to overflowing for His love and grace.