Pour Out Your Brokenness

Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”  Luke 7:48 (NKJV)

In a house in Bethany, more than 2000 years ago, a scene is set for a story that will be told for ages to come. As the honoured guests fill the house, the atmosphere becomes charged with excitement and anticipation. Some talk loudly. Others whisper, afraid their most secretive thoughts will be heard by Rabbi Jesus, the guest of honour. They are too busy to notice a woman making her way towards Jesus. Her eyes, reflecting her brokenness, are set on Jesus like flint. As she gets closer, she sees the look on His face and a glimmer of hope fills her eyes. Still, no one notices her.

As the food is served, the voices become louder. Suddenly, a hush fills the room. The eyes of those closest to Jesus are fixed on the woman. Others lean forward, trying to see what the commotion is all about. They are stunned when they realise who the woman is. “She is a sinner. How can He allow her to come near Him?” they whisper. An audible gasp emanates from the crowd as the woman takes out a beautiful alabaster jar, breaks the seal and pours expensive, fragrant oil over Jesus’ head. They look in horror as she spreads the oil over his feet with her hair. But all she sees is Jesus’ gaze of compassion and love. The only One who knows and understands the significance of what she has done. (Luke 7:36–50).

The Dark Places

The woman knew the one thing she needed to do was to get to Jesus. She knew that everyone in the room would rather have her hidden away somewhere in a dark place than have her expose herself in the light. But she had lived in that dark place of guilt, shame and regret for too long. She knew that the only one who could look upon her sin and not flinch was Jesus.

That day, her desire to be cleansed and forgiven was greater than the labels others put on her. Greater than the labels that she had put on herself. Greater than the disdain of the guests who hid their own sins, afraid of bringing them into the light. Afraid of being exposed. She had moved past that fear. She was prepared to put everything on the line to get close to Jesus. To the One whose eyes burned with love.

Perhaps you feel this way. You feel ashamed of certain things you’ve done in your life. You feel that others have labelled you because of them. Or perhaps the sinful things you feel ashamed about are your secrets. Secrets that have kept you in a dark place. But know this: Jesus is waiting for you to come to Him. To give Him your sin, guilt and shame. He will forgive you and remove them from you (Psalm 103:12). He will take your shame and guilt and nail them to the cross (Colossians 2:14). As you pour them out, He will give you His honour and joy.

Instead of shame and dishonour, you will enjoy a double share of honour. Isaiah 61:7 (NLT)

Reflection:

Will you come out of your dark place of shame and guilt and pour it out to Jesus?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I come to You with my sin, guilt and shame. I pour it out to You. I exchange them for Your honour and joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.