Tears and Perfume

Luke 7:36-50

There is some division on whether this story is the same story in the other Gospels.  The other Gospels’ stories take place in Bethany near the time of Jesus’ death.  John chapter 12 is about Mary, sister to Lazarus and Martha at Bethany, just before Jesus’ death.  Other places with similar stories are Matthew 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9.  All these other stories are at the end of Jesus’ life but this one in Luke is near the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.  The Luke story was the one I was thinking of as I was starting my research.  My brother-in-law suggested Kaphara when I was looking for a name for this woman.  Kaphar is the Hebrew word for atonement.  Thank you, Allen!

Scripture in this story is from the New Living Translation and is in italics.

Kaphara’s Story

I was just fifteen years old when both of my parents died.  They had both caught a dreadful disease and could not be saved from it.  I was alone.  I had no other siblings, and no one had spoken to my father about marrying me.  I did not know how to survive.  I became incredibly angry at God for taking my parents away from me.  I turned my back on God.

I did have an aunt who lived in a nearby town.  I traveled to her town to see if I could stay with her.  She was my father’s sister and I knew truly little about her because my parents would not talk about her.  When I got to the town I asked where I might find my aunt from some women at the well.  They all laughed and said I do not want to go to her house.  I asked why?  “Because she is a harlot” they snickered.  I explained my situation to the women, but no one seemed to care about my plight, so I went to my aunt’s house.

I stood at the door and knocked.  My aunt came to the door and she was made up with paint on her face and smelled of perfume.  I told her who I was and what happened to my parents.  She invited me into her home.  It was beautiful full of fine furniture and draperies.  I asked her if I could stay with her until we could find someone to marry me.  She said it would be alright.  She had her servant get a room ready for me while another one made a meal for us.  It was nice here, but I do not think I want to stay long.

Later that evening a man came to call.  My aunt asked if I would go to my room early so, she could spend time alone with the man.  I knew what was going on, but I did not want any part of it, so I went to my room for the rest of the night.  As I laid on my bed, I could hear my aunt laugh.   I rolled over a tried to go to sleep.  I kept telling myself this was better than begging.

The next day I enjoyed time with my aunt but again a different man came to call, and I was off to my room for the night.  This went on for a week.  Finally, I asked my aunt how to find a man to marry me and if she would help me.   She said she really did not know.  All her callers were single men who had no sons to marry.  She also said she was not welcome in places because of her profession.  Then she admitted the men who came to call paid her for her time.  I told her I knew but after that I was a loss for words.  Now what would happen to me?

Then she said something that made me so angry at first.  She asked if I wanted to go into business with her.  She said I could make a lot of money with my looks.  She said I could help her pay for her rich lifestyle.  She went on to say she was sorry she was not in the position to find me a husband to take care of me but I would not need anyone to take care of me if I went into business with her.  I was stunned! 

First God takes away my parents then he puts me in such a difficult situation.  God must really hate me!  Not seeing any other choices, I agreed.  I went to my room and cried the rest of the day.   

The next day my aunt said she needed to prepare me for my first time.  She asked a regular customer to be my first.  She said he would be gentle with me.  My aunt’s servants prepared a bath for me and helped me into a beautiful gown afterwards.  I was excited and nervous at the same time.  I did not know why I was excited because once I spent the night with this man my life, I dreamed of having would be over.  Was this something I wanted to do?  I looked around at all the beautiful things my aunt had.  She did not suffer for money.  She seemed to have lots of men friends.  What more could a girl want?

My aunt had a feast for dinner that night.  I drank more wine than I usually do to help calm my nerves.  I managed to get through the night.  I hurt a little, but the man was gentle.  I was surprised at the amount of money he paid me.  I guess I could do this.

After that night I became immensely popular.  Men still came to see my aunt, older ones mostly, but I had more than her.  She taught me how to talk with men and how to listen to them.  I gave my aunt almost half of what I was earning.  Our house was filled with expensive things.  I almost enjoyed my life, but something was missing.  Then one day I heard about a man named Jesus.

Jesus was passing by my town and healing a lot of people.  I went to hear him talk just out of curiosity.  This man Jesus said a lot of things that day but some of them stayed with me.  He said:

(Luke 6:24) “What sorrow awaits you who are rich, for you have your only happiness now.  25What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now, for a time of awful hunger awaits you.

What sorrow awaits you who laugh now, for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow. 26What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets.

37“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

His words got me thinking.  Maybe I was wrong about God.  What if God did not hate me but actually loved me and cared about what happened to me?  What if this man, who heals people and raises people from the dead, is the Son of God?  He seemed to look right at me when he was talking.  I could feel so much love in that look.  It was like when my father would look at me when I was a child and did something wrong, but I knew he loved me and would forgive me.  Could I be forgiven?  I started to really think about my life, and I hated my sin.

A few days later I heard Jesus was eating dinner at Simon’s, a Pharisees, house.  I decided to make the boldest move of my life.  I decided if Jesus would forgive my sins, I would follow him wherever he went.  I packed an old outfit I had when I arrived and put on the plainest dress I could find.  I took a jar of perfume with me and a few coins.  I told my aunt I was leaving.  She was angry with me.  I felt bad leaving her, but I knew this was something I needed to do.  I could not go on with my life the way it was going anymore.

I snuck into Simon’s house and pretended I was a hired servant.  I was going to be brave and speak to Jesus when he was leaving Simon’s house later but when I saw Jesus at Simon’s table, I could not help myself.  I started crying.  I went over to Jesus’ feet and broke the bottle of perfume open and poured it on Jesus’ feet.  Weeping more, because of my sin, I dried the tears with my hair.  I found myself kissing his feet.  I could not look at Jesus or anyone else.  Then I heard Jesus speak:

“Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.” “Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied.

41Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. 42But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”

43Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”

“That’s right,” Jesus said. 44Then he turned towards me and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.

47“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” 48Then Jesus said to me “Your sins are forgiven.”

49The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?”  Then Jesus said to me “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

I bowed myself low to the ground and could not say anything.  It was like a huge weight was lifted off me.  Then I found my voice.  Lord, please let me join your group of disciples.  I cannot go back to where I came, and I have no where else to go.  I only want to serve you.  Thank you for forgiving me.  It is more than I could ever hope for, please let me come with you.

He said the way I go is exceedingly difficult.  I said I would follow him no matter how hard it was until the end of my life.  Jesus agreed to let me follow him.  The women in the group were very welcoming.  That was something I did not expect since I had been a prostitute.  God is so good.

Lessons Learned from Kaphara

Can you feel the love and forgiveness Kaphara must have felt that day?  She had turned her back on God and was drawn into a life of sin.  Yet, Jesus forgave her that day just like he will forgive you.  Some of you are thinking I have never been so sinful as Kaphara nor have I committed any great sins.  However, it was not the life of sin Kaphara found herself, that needed the most forgiveness, but when she turned her back on God.  Romans 3:23 says For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.  God’s standard is to be perfect.  I do not know about you, but I cannot live up to God’s standard.  That is where Jesus comes in.  Jesus willingly died on the cross, even though he never sinned, so we can be forgiven and have atonement.  Have you received God’s forgiveness and love?

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Hosea 1 – 3

Gomer’s story is an example of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God and how much He loves Israel.  In chapter one Hosea is told to marry a prostitute and have children with her.  In chapter three Hosea is told to bring her back home.  Not much is mentioned about Gomer and I was again surprised she even came to mind when I asked God who I should write about next.  Again, since not much is written about her, I will use my imagination and make up a story about her.    I did a lot of research about Hosea from different versions of the Bible and study helps.  Scripture is from the New Living Translation and is in italics.

Gomer’s Story

I was just twelve years old when my father died leaving me and my mother alone to care for ourselves.  We had a nice home, but we had no money to buy food or to buy clothing.  My mother went to work washing and mending clothes for the rich people in our town.  I helped her because she did such a nice job many people asked her to work for them.  After five years of this my mother was worn out.  I was so tired of working for others.  I wanted the nice things they had.  One day I tried to wake my mother, but she had died in her sleep.  I was alone.  No relative to take me in.  I wondered what I would do. 

I continued to do wash for rich people since I had no one to help me and I did not know any other way to keep myself fed.  Maybe someone will come along and offer to marry me.  I did not feel like that was likely to happen because I had no father or brother.

The Temptation to Prostitute

One day one of the sons of a rich family I was washing for came to me while I was washing their clothes alone and said he would give me a shekel if I would lay with him.  I slapped him and said no!  He left but he was back the next time I was doing the family’s wash and asked me again.  I still said no but refrained from slapping him.  This went on for three weeks.  Finally, he said no one will know and it is not like I was going to get any marriage offers.  Might as well enjoy life while you can.  This time he offered me two shekels.

I gave into him.  I half expected him to offer to marry me but no he said he would just pay me whenever he wanted to be with me.  I started to enjoy the money.  One day his friend came by and offered to pay me for sleeping with him.  I was used to it now and I thought to myself might as well earn a living this way because it was easy money and I did not have to wash clothes anymore.  So, I said yes and somehow became immensely popular.  Often men would bring me food or beautiful clothing instead of payment.  My house became beautiful with gifts from some of my favorites.  I liked my life and the riches I had.

Sought After by Love

Then one day a man named Hosea came to my door.  I thought he was just another one of my paying customers, but he said something strange to me.  He said, “Gomer, God told me to marry you and bring you home to my house.”  I was shocked and replied, “What?  God told you to marry me, a prostitute?”  He said yes!  The look on his face I could tell he was serious and not at all crazy.  I said “Why?”  He then said something even stranger.  He said, “Because God wants you to know what love is like.”  Why does God even want to have anything to do with me or want me to know what love is?  It is not like I am welcome at the synagogue or anything.  My mind was stunned!  Suddenly I could tell he looked very tired and hungry.  Perhaps he came a long way.  I invited him in and fixed him some food.  He seemed kind of shy after telling me why he came but I have a knack to get men talking so I used it on him.  Hosea was a prophet of God living in a town about fifty miles from here.  He was thirty years old and had never married.  He spent much of his time studying scriptures and being open to God’s leading.  He was going to write a warning to Israel. 

Hosea talk all through his lunch then he got up to leave.  He asked me one more time to marry him and to come home with him.  I did not know what to say.  I looked around my house.  Do I want to leave all this?  What will my life be like in ten years?  Will men still want me?  Probably not!  I decided to marry Hosea because I knew it would be my only means of support as I grew older.

We left right away that day.  I took a few clothes but just locked up the house.  Maybe someday I will come back for more of my things.  It took a couple of days to get back to Hosea’s home.  It was a poor home, but his servants were nice and gave us a nice marriage supper.  We waited until then to consummate our marriage.  Hosea was a pleasant fellow.  I was happy to be a wife.

The Children-God’s Judgment

It was not long before I discovered I was pregnant.  I was thrilled and Hosea seemed happy.  I gave birth to a son.  Hosea came to me and told me God had told him how to name our son and why.  He said God said:

“Name the child Jezreel, for I am about to punish King Jehu’s dynasty to avenge the murders he committed at Jezreel. In fact, I will bring an end to Israel’s independence. 5I will break its military power in the Jezreel Valley.”

I became pregnant again and this time I gave birth to a daughter.  Hosea told me the Lord had also told Hosea her name and why.  I cried when I heard her name.  I loved her so much.

“Name your daughter Lo-ruhamah—‘Not loved’—for I will no longer show love to the people of Israel or forgive them.

I gave birth to a son next and Hosea named him what God had told him to name him.

“Name him Lo-ammi—‘Not my people’—for Israel is not my people, and I am not their God.

The Temptation Returns

After that I had had enough. I missed my old life.  I loved the fine clothing and jewels.  Yes, I feel loved by Hosea, but I want more!  I really miss the freedom to live any way I want.  I feel like my old life is calling me and I am finding it hard not to answer. 

One day I was in the market and I saw an old customer I had dealing with one of the marketeers. He was a fine clothing dealer.  I have fond memories of this man even though sometimes I felt he was a bit possessive.  I went over to him to say hello.  He remembered me.  He asked why I was here, and I said I had married a man from here.  He seemed startled and asked if I loved my husband.  He looked at how I was dressed, so plain, and wanted to know where was all the fine clothes he had bought me.

I looked down at my shabby clothes.  They were nice but not anything like the fine clothing this man had bought me.  The memories of the fine clothes and jewelry came back.  Oh, how I truly miss them.  They were at my old house probably rotting away by now.  I suddenly asked him to take me back to my old home.  My surprise is he agreed.  I should have become suspicious of this because of his former possessiveness but I just wanted my old life back.

I did not return home.  My children are weaned and well cared for by the servants.  I felt so free!  The man took me back to the inn where he was staying.  He showered me with fine wine, food and clothing.  I was in heaven, or so I thought, until his whispered in my ear I was his and he was never going to let me go again.  We had just made love, so I was not thinking straight.  I drifted off to sleep feeling happy.

Captivity

I woke up to the uncomfortable feeling of leg irons being clasped on my ankles.  I was being chained to him.  Ten feet of chain was all the freedom I had.  We left town before dawn and headed in the opposite direction of my old home.  I was crying as I followed behind his donkey.  I asked why and he hit me.  I was his harlot now and no one can have me but him. 

We got to a town the next day and went to what I now realize was his home.  He only had one servant, a man, who seemed like he would do whatever his master told him.  I was chained to a bed in a room.  The door was kept locked.  There was a window, but the chains did not allow me to reach it.  The servant brought me a little food and water once a day.  I cried for my stupidity of leaving Hosea.  He genuinely loved me and always care for me.  Why did I think my old life was better?

The man came to my room only to sleep with me.  He was not nice about it either.  He would often take me when I was asleep and hit me if I did not respond nicely.  When I beg him to let me go, he would hit me again and he would rape me to prove his ownership.  I wanted to die!

This went on for a week.  Then one evening a stranger came into my room wanting to sleep with me.  It turns out my captor loved money more than he “loved” me.  I was now to sleep with men for my captor’s financial gain.   He seemed to take much enjoyment out of my misery.

The Rescue! 

One day, much to my surprise and joy, Hosea showed up in my room.  Hosea put his finger up to his lips to keep me quiet.  I wanted to shout for joy, but I kept quiet.  He paid my captor fifteen shekels and a pound and a half of barley to sleep with me.  Fortunately, Hosea said he wanted to be with me alone for the whole night.  Since Hosea had paid my captor much more than any of the others, my captor allowed Hosea to be alone with me.

Hosea managed to get the chains off my ankles.  We escaped through the window as quietly as we could.  My captor had gone out to buy more wine with the money Hosea had paid him.  We headed away from town knowing my captor would be too drunk to notice I was gone until long after sunup.  His servant would be drunk too as they both like to drink in excess when an opportunity arose.

When it was safe, I asked Hosea how he found me, and he said God told him exactly where I was.  Then I asked why it took him so long to come get me?  Hosea, always the gentleman, said he was waiting for me to return on my own.  I hugged him so tightly then and there with tears in my eyes.  I was so sorry for the pain I caused him.  I realized how stupid I was for running away.

Hosea said I must live with him from now on and not go back to my old ways.  I promised him I would.  I suddenly realized I loved Hosea.  And Hosea’s God too.  After all, it was God who told Hosea to marry me and to find me when I was in captivity.  I felt so loved!

We got home the next day.  Oh, it was so wonderful to be home.  Our children greeted me with their arms wrapped around me so tightly.  I never want to leave Hosea or our children again!

Lessons Learned from Gomer

Can you feel the love God had for Gomer through Hosea?  Even though for a time Gomer loved her old life more than she loved Hosea, Hosea still loved her.  This book is about how Israel went away from God even though God loved Israel like a husband loves his wife.  Yet, it is also a picture of how God loves us!  God loves us so much He sent His only Son to come and rescue us from our sin.  He is also so patient with us when we go astray.  He waits for us to return to Him.  He rescues us when we repent. 

I think God is waiting patiently with America to repent.  He has allowed the COVID-19 virus and now the rioting throughout the nation.  I have shed tears of anguish over the postings for and against the riots on social media.  I have prayed God would end this, but acknowledge America needs to repent.  You may not agree with this paragraph and that is fine.  I am only stating my opinion which is something I usually refrain from doing.  But, oh, please consider God’s warning to Israel and how it may relate to things happening here in the United States.

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The Gomer Anointing: A Calling to Deliver a Nation By Stacia V. Hunter Redeeming Love: A Novel – eBook By Francine Rivers Can God’s Love Save Anyone? Best-selling author Francine Rivers skillfully retells the biblical love story of Gomer and Hosea in a tale set against the exciting backdrop of the California Gold Rush. The heroine, Angel, is a young woman who was sold into prostitution as a child. Michael Hosea is a godly man sent into Angel’s life to draw her into the Savior’s redeeming love.

The following is Rebekah’s story.  It is taken from Genesis chapters 24 to 27.  All scripture in the story is in italics and is taken from the New Living Translation.  The background to the story starts with Abraham. 

Abraham and Sarah had a son, Issac, when they were nearly 100 years old.  People lived a lot longer those days.  Abraham had moved from the region of Mesopotamia to Canaan, about 500 miles away before his son Issac was born.  Abraham still had family in Mesopotamia, mainly the city of Nahor in the country Haran.  When Issac was about 40 years old Abraham’s wife Sarah died.  Abraham sent his trusted servant Eliezer to Mesopotamia to find Issac a wife from his relatives living there.  Abraham made Eliezer swear he would bring back a wife for Issac from his own people.  Eliezer took an oath he would, but the oath would be null if the girl refused to go back with Eliezer.  Eliezer took ten camels and a few men with him.  Rebekah’s story starts at a well in Nahor.

Rebekah’s Story

Well it is time to go to the well to draw water for the evening.  I had better hurry so I can get my water before the other women get there.  They are such gossips.  They know I am already twenty years old and am not married.  I have not met Mr. Right yet.  My brother Laban does not like any would be suitors who have come to call.  I have not been impressed with any of them either.  Maybe someone from out of town will find their way to Nahor and find their way into my heart.  I just need to trust God to find me a husband.  Better quit daydreaming and get to the well.

Who are these men with the loaded down camels?  The leader seems to be praying.  They look lost.  I should see what they want as they do not look like they mean to harm me.  Ah, the leader is approaching.  He said to me “my name is Eliezer could you please give me a drink of water; I have come a long way today.  Certainly” I said and handed him my jug to drink from and his men.  Then I said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.”  It took several trips to fill the trough, but I did it.  All the camels and men had enough water. 

When the camels were finished drinking Eliezer then gave me a gold ring for my nose and two gold bracelets.  “Whose daughter are you?” he asked. “And please tell me, would your father have any room to put us up for the night?”

24“I am the daughter of Bethuel,” I replied. “My grandparents are Nahor and Milcah. 25Yes, we have plenty of straw and feed for the camels, and we have room for guests.”

The man bowed low and worshiped the Lord. 27“Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The Lord has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.”

I ran home to tell everyone.  My brother Laban heard the news and saw my gold ring and bracelets.  He ran to the well to see the men and make sure they knew they were invited.  I hurried up to help the servants get a meal on the table for the men and my family.  The whole time I wondered why Eliezer and his men were here. 

I saw Laban make sure the camels were fed and put in our barn.  He also showed the men their room where they could sleep and made sure they had water to wash their feet.  They came into the dining room and they looked hungry.  Fortunately, dinner was ready.  We place the food on the table for the men.  Eliezer then spoke.

“I don’t want to eat until I have told you why I have come.”

“All right,” Laban said, “tell us.”

34“I am Abraham’s servant,” he explained. 35“And the Lord has greatly blessed my master; he has become a wealthy man. The Lord has given him flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, a fortune in silver and gold, and many male and female servants and camels and donkeys.

36“When Sarah, my master’s wife, was very old, she gave birth to my master’s son, and my master has given him everything he owns. 37And my master made me take an oath. He said, ‘Do not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women. 38Go instead to my father’s house, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son.’

42“So today when I came to the spring, I prayed this prayer: ‘O Lord, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success on this mission. 43See, I am standing here beside this spring. This is my request. When a young woman comes to draw water, I will say to her, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.” 44If she says, “Yes, have a drink, and I will draw water for your camels, too,” let her be the one you have selected to be the wife of my master’s son.’

45“Before I had finished praying in my heart, I saw Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water. So, I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’ 46She quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and said, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ So I drank, and then she watered the camels.

Wow!  He came here to find a wife.  What if God wants me to be the wife of the son of Eliezer’s master?  I left the room.  I was too emotional, I needed to pray, “Lord, lead me in the way You want me to go.”  I always find peace when I pray.  I believe this is what God wants for me.

Then next day Eliezer and his men were ready to return.  Laban wanted me to stay another ten days, but Eliezer was insistent they leave right away.  Laban said they will ask me, so they called me into the room.  “Are you willing to go with this man?” they asked her.

And I replied, “Yes, I will go.”  There!  The decision has been made!  I hurried to pack and to warn my nurse she was going with me.  It will be a long journey.  Before I left Laban prayed a blessing over me.

“Our sister, may you become the mother of many millions! May your descendants be strong

and conquer the cities of their enemies.”

The journey took three weeks to get to Negev.  I asked many questions about Issac, my future husband.  It turns out he is a kind man who loves the Lord as much as I do.  He is wealthy and lives a nomadic lifestyle.  This will get some getting used to as I lived in a house all my life.  Eliezer assured me all my comforts would be met in the tent just like a house.  I am really looking forward to meeting Issac.  God has put love in my heart for him already.  God is so good!

As we neared Negev I saw a man who looked like he was deep in thought, praying.  He looked up and instantly I knew in my heart it was Issac, but I asked Eliezer to be sure.  Sure, enough it was Issac.  I lowered my camel and dismounted.  I covered myself with my veil as a sign of respect to Issac.  Eliezer was excited and told Issac all about the journey to find me.  All we could do was to stare at each other like lovesick teenagers. 

We went to the tents.  Everyone was so excited.  The servants were running around trying to prepare a marriage feast.  My nurse took me to a tent and her and her servants bathe me and helped me put on a beautiful gown.  They put flowers in my hair.  My nurse proclaimed me a beautiful bride.  I was so happy.  God has answered my prayer,

The feast was wonderful.  Issac was so attentive to me needs.  We talked a long time before Issac led me to his mother’s tent.  We found comfort in each other’s arms.  We were blissfully happy for years to come.

But something was missing.  Years sped by and I still did not become pregnant.  I started to wonder if I would ever bare children.  Issac was so understanding.  I could tell he had been praying about it too.  Even though his father took a concubine because his wife Sarah was not getting pregnant, Issac said he never would.  Issac knew God had promised Abraham He would make a great nation of Abrahams descendants.  Issac said to just trust God.  Issac pleaded with God for me to get pregnant.

I was almost forty years old when it finally happened.  I learned I was pregnant.  We were thrilled!   God had answered our prayers.  Oh, what joy to know I was going to be the mother of a great nation.  God keeps His promises!

Toward the end of my pregnancy it began to feel like there was a war going on inside of me.  I did not understand what was going on.  It felt like I was having twins and they were fighting each other.  I prayed to the Lord and He answered me.

23And the Lord told her, “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.”

Soon after that I did give birth to twin boys.  The first one came out all red and hairy.  We named him Esau.  The second one came on grasping on to his brother’s heel.  We named him Jacob.  My joy was complete!  The boys grew up to be fine men.  Yet they never really got along with each other.  Esau was a mighty hunter.  He would bring home wild game.   Issac loved Esau and the meat he would bring home.  Jacob loved to care for our flocks of sheep and other animals.  I loved Jacob.  I loved Esau too but there was something about Jacob.  He had a special place in my heart.

One day Jacob was cooking some red stew.  He told Jacob to give him some of the red stew.  Jacob said only if Esau would sell him his birthright.  (The first born gets all the property of his father.)  Esau said, “I am about to die if I don’t eat so what good is a birthright?”  After Esau ate the red stew, he was angry, but Jacob just laughed.  He was going to keep what is not his.  I thought about what God had told me years ago.  “One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.”    The two fought much more after that day.

Living in a tent means moving around.  We were always in search of good pasture and plenty of water for our ever-increasing herds.  One year we moved to Al Gerar.  The king of Al Gerar was Abimelech the king of the Philistines.  I guess I was still beautiful at sixty-five years old and Issac was afraid the men of Al Gerar would kill him and take me as their wife.  Therefore, he told everyone I was his sister.  One day king Abimelech saw Issac caressing me.  King Abimelech was angry.  10“How could you do this to us?” Abimelech exclaimed. “One of my people might easily have taken your wife and slept with her, and you would have made us guilty of great sin.”  11Then Abimelech issued a public proclamation: “Anyone who touches this men or his wife will be put to death!”

We stayed there another year, but our crops and herds grew so much King Abimelech asked us to leave the area.  We moved several times before we found a place we could settle.  It was called Beersheba.  Here the Lord appeared to Issac and renewed His vow to make Issac a great nation.

When Issac was nearing the end of his life he asked Esau to go out and kill some game and prepare it so Issac could give Esau his blessing.  I overheard this and thought Jacob should have the blessing not Esau.  After all it was God who said the older will serve the younger and Esau did sell Jacob his birthright for a bowl of red stew.  I hurried and told Jacob everything I heard.  I had a plan.  Issac was almost blind.  If Jacob prepares some lamb and brings it to Issac, Issac will never know.  We must hurry.  I will take the sheep skin and cover Jacob’s arms and neck.  Esau is a hairy man so we must fool Issac.  At first Jacob protested but he finally gave in.  A meal was hastily prepared, and Jacob put some of Esau’s clothes on so he would smell like Esau.  Jacob went into his fathers’ tent and received Issac’s blessing.

28“From the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth, may God always give you abundant harvests of grain and bountiful new wine. 29May many nations become your servants,

and may they bow down to you. May you be the master over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. All who curse you will be cursed, and all who bless you will be blessed.”

Later, Esau returned to Issac’s test to get the blessing, but it was too late!  Esau was so angry I feared for Jacob’s life.  I sent Jacob to my brother Laban’s house.  I told Issac it was to find a wife.  Jacob did not return.  I waited every day for him to come back but I became too old.  I guess God know where he is and what he is doing.  I am going to leave Jacob in God’s hands.  I have always known I can trust God.

Lessons Learned from Rebekah

Trust is the one word which comes to mind throughout Rebekah’s story.  Rebekah knew she could trust God with all her needs and desires.  She trusted God for a husband and for children.  She trusted God when He said the older will serve the younger.  She may have fooled Issac but maybe that was how God intended the blessing of Jacob to happen.  Jacob went on to marry, not one, but two of Laban’s daughters.  God changed Jacob’s name to Israel.   One of Jacob’s sons was named Judah.  From Judah comes King David and our Lord Jesus, God’s Son.  God had a plan for Rebekah to be the mother of a great nation, Israel, and ultimately Jesus.  Rebekah trusted God.  Do you trust Him with your life?

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 There are a few times Mary, Jesus’ mother, is mentioned in the Bible.  As we, as Christians, celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection this weekend I wanted to write about it.  As I have been in the habit with my Lessons Learned series, I will write Mary’s story as fiction.  I will include scripture from the New Living Translation in italics.  We all know Jesus’ birth story well so I will only briefly mention it, but I wanted to focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection from Mary’s perspective.  Therefore, she will show up in places she may not have been in my story to make it complete.

Mary’s Story

I was just 15 years old when I become engaged to Joseph.  He was the love of my life.  We were technically married but were following Jewish custom to wait until we consummated our marriage.  I could not wait but something wonderful happened to me before married.  One day an angel appeared to me and called me blessed.  I was so afraid, but he told me not to be afraid.  He told me I would give birth to the Son of God.  Me?  An ordinary girl from a small town?  It is true.  Nine months later, while we were in Bethlehem for the census, I gave birth to my firstborn son Jesus.  After eight days we dedicated Jesus at the temple.  Simeon was there and he blessed the child then he said something to me I will never forget:

“this child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” (Luke 2:34-35)

I wondered what he meant by that?  As I look back on this, I now know what he meant.  I would not know for many years to come but I assure you my heart was definitely pierced!

When Jesus was twelve, we went to the temple as we did every year.  This time we were traveling with a large group of people and we lost track of Jesus in the group.  We were returning home when we noticed Jesus was not with us.  We assumed he was with friends but after he did not come to our camp the next day, we became concerned and went back to Jerusalem to find him.  Where did we find Jesus?  At the temple talking with the scholars and asking them questions.  They were so amazed at how intelligent Jesus was.  I spoke to him right away

“Son,” (his mother said to him), “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”

49“But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:48-49).

We did not understand at the time what Jesus was talking about.  Yes, we knew he was the Son of God, but he was still our son.  And, yet Jesus never disobeyed us in any way.

When Jesus was 33 years old, he began his ministry.  I remember one day we were at a wedding and they ran out of wine.  I told Jesus and he said

 4“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” (John 2:4).

Always saying puzzling things, he had me stumped on that one.  I knew Jesus could fix the problem because when we were home somehow never short on food.  I told the servants to do what Jesus said.  Lo, and behold, Jesus had the servants fill the large jars with water and have them serve some to the master of ceremonies.  It was the best wine he had ever tasted.  Only the best for my Jesus! 

After the wedding ceremonies were over, I went with Jesus and his disciples to Capernaum.  From that time onward for the next three years I would go with Jesus whenever I could.  When I was not with him, I would hear of his great deeds.  Jesus was always healing people and raising some from the dead.  Thousands of people followed him everywhere.  Sometimes I worried Jesus was not getting enough rest.  Then the week of horror and rejoicing happened.

Just after three years of ministry Jesus heads for Jerusalem.  Many knew the religious leaders wanted him dead, but he went anyways.  On the first day of the week before Passover Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey like a king.  We all thought he would take his throne and reign forever but that is not what happened. 

By Thursday night I heard Jesus was arrested.  They questioned all night long and into the morning.  I watched in horror as they whipped him over and over.  They beat Jesus so badly it was very hard to recognize him.  Then they placed a crown of thorns on my son’s head and mocked him.  I could barely watch.  Such injustice for an innocent man.  Then I heard the crowd yell crucify him!   No!  Not my son!  To die such a horrible death was unbelievable!  I could not bear the thought!

They led Jesus through the streets of Jerusalem making him carry his own cross.  They had stripped Jesus of almost all his clothing and the heavy wooded cross tore into his already beaten back.  He stumbled and fell.  They got someone to help carry the cross.  Tears flowed from my eyes as we headed up the hill where Jesus would be hung on a cross.

It only got worse from then on.  Instead of tying Jesus to the cross they nailed his hands and feet to it before hoisting it up and slamming it into the deep hole dug to keep the cross upright.  Jesus’ pain must have been unbearable!  Yet he endured the pain for a few more hours. 

At one-point Jesus looked at me.  I was with some women and a disciple of Jesus’ named John.  Jesus then spoke to me and John

“Dear woman, here is your son.” He said to me then to John Jesus said, “Here is your mother.” (John 19:25-27).

From that day on John took care of my needs.  Yet, my story is not finished.  While Jesus was on the cross the world became very dark.  The darkness lasted from noon to about three in the afternoon.  I continued to watch this whole time.  Finally, Jesus said, “It is finished!” and he died.  My heart gave way.  I could not contain my grief.  My son was dead.  A death he did not deserve.  I did not want to live anymore.  John took me home.  It was the Passover and almost sundown.  The Sabbath was upon us, so we stayed put to observe it.  I cried until I did have anymore tears.  Now I knew what Simeon spoke of so many years ago.

Somehow, I must have fallen asleep because when I woke up the next morning something unbelievable happened.  John had come home all excited.  He said Jesus’ body was missing.  My heart dropped to the floor.  Yet, as I listened to John tell his story I realized John believed Jesus had risen from the dead just like he said he would.  Wow!  Later that day we were all locked in a house afraid of the religious leaders.   There, suddenly, Jesus was with us.  Not just his spirit but Jesus in the flesh.  He still bore the scars of the nails in his hands and feet, but Jesus was there.  My heart burst with joy!  My son and my Savior lives!  Hallelujah! 

Jesus was on earth another forty days.  He appeared to many people during that time.  Then one day Jesus ascended into Heaven with the promise he would be back.  My story is now complete.  I can die knowing I am saved, and I will live with Jesus forever.

Lessons Learned from Mary

Wow!  I really do not know how Mary must have felt during Jesus’ death and resurrection.  I can only imagine what was going on in her heart.  I do not think I could have borne the emotional pain she went through.  Yet, God gave her the strength to do it.  Such love Jesus has for us.  He laid down His life for us so we can live forever with Him!  Do you believe?

Way back when I was in Bible college my English teacher read Psalms 86 and we discussed it that day in class.  I do not know why this stuck with me all these years.  I really do not remember much from any of my other classes, but I remember that day.  I reread this this morning because I was feeling lost and so very tired today.  You see I work as a cashier at Walmart and even though we are under a “Safer at Home” rule from the governor, it was busy yesterday.  Groups of young people and families were out shopping.  And, they were not just buying essentials they were buying from every department in the store.  I do not ever remember seeing so many kid’s bikes being sold in one day. 

I was very tired yesterday as I have not been sleeping well at all.  I guess I was letting this virus get to me.  I was stressed out because I work in the public at the self-check area and there is no barrier between me and the customer.  I live in a small town and we already have three confirmed cases of the virus.  Anyone of those people could have shopped at Walmart and used the self-check outs where I usually work.  I am constantly moving from one register to another helping people ring up their purchases.  It can be very stressful!  Most people are very understanding and give me some space when I ask them to move a few feet away from me.  But yesterday I have a group of young people at one register who were purchasing beer and they did not give me space to approve their purchase.  I asked them to move away from the register and they laughed and said, “she doesn’t want to get CORVID”.  I just walked away but I was so mad!  No, I do not want this virus!  I am over 60 years old and asthmatic.  I was forgetting God is our help in this stressful time. 

So, this morning I prayed this Psalms for myself and the rest of the world. 

(Scripture is from the New Living Translation of the Bible and is in italics.)

1Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help.

2Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you.

You are my God.

3Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly.

Yes! God, you are my ever-present help when I need You!  I only need to trust You!

4Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you.

Instead of happiness I ask for joy.  I seem to be lacking joy in my life. Restore my joy Lord!

5O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.

Ready to forgive! Oh, I need that!

6Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry.

7I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.

You answer me when I call on You.  Maybe not the answer I want but I know you will help me when You answer no or not now.

8No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None can do what you do!

Only You can stop this virus!  Not the president, medical personal or all the money in the world.  Only You! Help us!

9All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name.

10For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.

I pray many will come to know You because of this virus.  You alone are God! You are our only help!

11Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.

Yes, may I be reading Your Word often so I may honor You, every day. Help me to honor you!

12With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever,

Praising You makes me feel better.  It helps me focus!

13for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.

Even if I get this virus, I know You love me and will rescue me.  You will help me.

14O God, insolent people rise up against me; a violent gang is trying to kill me. You mean nothing to them.

Unlike David, the author of this Psalms, I have no known enemies.  However, I can substitute depressing thoughts, anger, distrust, despair, and many other thoughts which keep me from thinking of You. Help me to keep my thoughts on You!

15But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry

and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

Slow to anger when I forget You are there for me.  Thank You for always loving me.

16Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant;

save me, the son of your servant.

As I face another day at work help me be strong and help me to smile.  It has been hard to smile lately and so many needs someone to smile at them.

17Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame,

for you, O Lord, help and comfort me.

A sign Lord?  Maybe just leading me to read and write about this Psalms was the sign I needed! Thank You for Your help and comfort!

Now I am ready to face my day.  Psalms 86 is full of reminders God is our help in these troubled times.  I hope you found this as helpful as I did.