The Emptying of Me: Pouring is Healing

The seed danced slowly in the air and I asked God, please just let me catch this one. I can never seem to catch one as they always turn and go in another direction. But on this summer evening walk, that seed floated right into my hand. I had finally got one within my grasp!

And as I was gripping the seed tightly I realized I was standing in the exact same spot a few years ago– the same spot when a leaf fell to my feet. I picked it up and the leaf–it was half dead–half alive. Like I was. I took the leaf home with me and put it in a bowl on my kitchen table. And for many days it served as a reminder-- I had a choice to make. I could keep on dying slowly or I could start living again.

My Grandma always said, if you leave a band-aid on a hurt, a wound too long–it will never heal.

Maybe that’s a little how she felt. Maybe the band-aid, the jar had been sealed far too long. And she was tired of the slow dying. Tired of waiting to live again–to be made whole.

In scripture, she's described as "a woman in the city, which was a sinner." (Luke 7:37). And when she heard the news that Jesus was having dinner at the Pharisee's house--she showed up. She came with her sins and an alabaster jar of ointment. Luke, the writer of this gospel provides us with this picture--she "stood at His feet behind Him weeping." (Luke 7:38) And she had no water to wash His feet. She had no need for water. She washed His feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, and used the ointment as a salve.

Just how many tears does it take to produce enough water to wash someone's feet?

This sinner woman, she emptied herself. Humbly. Fully.

And when the Pharisee saw this woman, this sinner touching Jesus, serving Him--he began to murmur within himself. Jesus never heard his words spoken out loud, but He knew and He defended her--spoke up for her. And as much as the others belonged, She belonged too. Right there with Him.

Jesus said to those who were quick to criticize, "Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. And then He turned to her and said, "Thy sins are forgiven." (Luke 7:48)

This forgiven sinner, when she took the first step to find Jesus, the band-aid loosened. Her old vessel broke and tears flowed. That hurt was never to be poured from again. And she was healed. She was a new vessel.

"Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." (Luke 7:50)

Snow's coming tonight, they say. And tomorrow. Lots of it. The winter moon is glowing and the snow clouds are laying low. Puffy and full. The ground needs the moisture for healing. For spring gardens. For livestock--for life. But those snow clouds, until they surrender, open to the emptying--the snow will not fall. And there always, always has to be a breaking before the pouring.

In serving the Lord–there will always be someone to criticize–someone to judge–someone to ask why–someone to say you are not worthy. Keep praying. Keep breaking. Keep pouring out. Keep serving in obedience, and keep emptying yourself for Him.

"The Emptying of Me" is a series of devotionals that will continue

throughout the month of January on “a beautiful grace.”

Devotionals will be sent to our email subscribers and

appear on "a beautiful grace" Facebook and Instagram pages.

All scripture quoted is from the King James Version.

All photographs copyrighted @abeautifulgrace

Thank you for reading. God bless.