February 14 | Luke 7:40-50

---

DAILY READING

Luke 7:40-50

---

REFLECTION

ACTION and REACTION

By Jennifer Jerrome

This Valentine’s Day is extra special because I have a new love in my life – my grandson. Although he’s only two months old, I’m already anticipating how the world will shape his development.

While reading today’s scripture, verse 47 brought to mind the cause-and-effect theory which states, “when a specific action or condition occurs, it produces a predictable result.”

whoever has been forgiven little loves little

The less forgiveness a person receives, the less love they are able to give. Thank goodness the opposite is true. The more forgiveness a person experiences, the greater their capacity to forgive others. Thus ultimately creating a positive circular reaction – the more forgiveness, the more love and the more love, the more forgiveness.

Imagine if you had never been forgiven. What would your life look like? I’m guessing there would be a lot of anger and bitterness. We all know a person (or persons) who seems perpetually sour. There could be multiple reasons for their discontent, but maybe what they need is someone to come along and love them no matter what.

That’s Jesus. He’s the one who comes along and tells those who don’t know forgiveness, “Your sins are forgiven… go in peace.”

What kind of impact do you think that had on the “sinful woman” in today’s story? Did her heart leap? Did she cry tears of joy? Did her body release years of pent-up sorrow?

How great would it have been to witness this? Would we even have known what was happening?

I believe Jesus was drawn to the “lowly sinners” because when they are shown kindness and mercy, their capacity to show kindness and mercy is multiplied exponentially. They become wonderful examples of His love. God saves those who are holding on by a thread of faith because He knows the enduring pattern of love and forgiveness this will create.

And when we are forgiven of our sins, we are able to rest in the peace that it brings.

One of my favorite things on Sunday is when the pastor says, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” Not because this signals the end of the service, but because it means a new beginning – new chances to forgive, new chances to love others in His Name.

PRAYER

Father,

I pray each day that you give me a heart for what breaks yours. Show me those who have been forgiven little and make me an instrument of your forgiveness. Like the woman you met at Simon’s house, may I serve as an example, not only for my children and grandchildren, but for any of your children who have been forgiven little and need loved much. Amen

Happy Valentine’s Day!

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JENNIFER JERROME

I have known I was a child of God from the beginning. I was baptized and raised in the Catholic church and began attending UALC about 18 years ago when my husband I were searching for a place to worship and serve as a family. UALC has helped shape our faith over the years. We have been through several seasons of life and the constant has been our faith and family.

---

February 13 | LUKE 7:36-39

---

DAILY READING

Luke 7:36-39

---

REFLECTION

A Divine Rescue

by Judy Webb

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. (Luke 7:36 NLT)

Are you thinking what I am thinking? Something like, “This can’t be good.” It is early in Jesus’ ministry, but we have seen enough to realize the Pharisees usually had ulterior motives in their interactions with Jesus. Jesus threatens them; his words and actions caused them to reply with caustic comments and remarks. It is obvious they are curious about this man who seems to know so much about the Scriptures, even more than they. And this often surfaces as hostility to Jesus and his followers.

While Jesus intrigued the religious leaders, they were determined not to be taken in by his ways. The Pharisees were the most influential of the religious sects and they held tightly to their beliefs; not bending for anyone. Perhaps they feared they might lose their lofty position in the Synagogues should they give Jesus any leeway.

Jesus knew their intentions, but he went to dinner anyway. Some folks gathered may have been wondering if Jesus was indeed a guest, or the entertainment. Little did they know, his purpose was to rescue them. His purpose is to rescue us as well. Did you know you needed rescuing? Many do not, until the waters of trouble begin to overwhelm.

How many times have you and I responded to the question, “How are you?’ with a quick, “fine”. Truth is, none of us are fine. Not without Jesus’ help, that is for certain. Like the Pharisee who extended the invitation to Jesus to sup with him. He wasn’t fine. He was probably troubled by any number of worldly concerns. Perhaps family, health, or his wealth gave him cause for worry. Then there is the woman in town who had lived a sinful life who came to the party hoping to see Jesus and give him a special gift. Little did she know he had an even more special gift waiting for her. She anointed Jesus with fragrant and expensive oil. Jesus anointed her with forgiveness; He rescued her soul.

According to the custom of the day, anyone could just drop in to see what was happening. All those people also had troubles of one sort or another (just like us) and were in desperate need of rescue.  That was the purpose for Jesus’ presence, for His coming to earth, for His accepting the Pharisees invitation to dinner. He wants to minister to everyone who comes into his Presence. He is offering to rescue us with every encounter. 

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father,

Your offer of rescue is just what we all need, every day. When you hold out your hand and we take hold of it, we are pulled from the depths of our grief and pain. Remind us with your Word, just how much you love us and desire a deep relationship with Your children. Amen.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.

---

February 12 | Matthew 11:1-19

---

DAILY READING

Matthew 11:1-19

---

REFLECTION

Are You the One? 

By Beth Voltmann

It is difficult to read this passage and not feel compassion for John the Baptist. Born into a time when Israel had experienced Yahweh’s silence for 400 years, John had a clear prophetic call on his life. He was to “be great in the sight of the Lord”, and to “go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous.” (Luke 1:15,17)

For years he had humbled himself, subsisting on a meager diet, living in the wilderness, and calling to the people, “Prepare the way for the Lord!” Why, then, was he suddenly unsettled? Was it doubt or fear? Had he lost hope? Was his cousin really the Messiah? Most of his disciples had left him to follow Jesus. Perhaps isolation stirred up questions.

Aren’t we all like that? We stand firmly on faith until something shakes us. We believe in God yet crave reassurance. The holy call on our life that seems so clear at the start can grow murky as we experience obstacles along the way.

John, born to walk in the footprints of Elijah, now found himself tired and imprisoned. He needed assurance that he had not misplaced his efforts and hope. This man who had once declared of Jesus, “He must become greater; I must become less,” now questioned,

“Are you the one...?”  (vs 3)

In compassion, Jesus answered John’s question with confirmation of his Lordship, reminding him of the scriptures that had been fulfilled. Then, he turned to the crowd to give affirmation of John’s prophetic calling...“This is the one about whom it is written...”. (vs 10)

“For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.

And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

(Matthew 11:13-15)

We, also, are meant to point others to Christ, in our place and time. We may occasionally falter, but Jesus, the true Messiah, desires to confirm his reign and affirm our purpose and calling.

These are the ones I look on with favor:

Those who are humble and contrite in spirit,

and who tremble at my word.”

(Isaiah 66:2b)

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank you for your heart of compassion towards us. Like John, we sometimes need reassurance. Please help us to have ears to hear the truth of your Word and to believe that you are the One who was sent to save us. We long for our lives to reflect that faith, knowing that we are the ones called in this season. May we continue to proclaim the kingdom of God!

Amen.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BETH VOLTMANN

After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.