The Dirt on Worship

"She cried a deluge of tears- enough to wash the feet of Jesus- and then she wiped them clean and dry with her hair."

Those who have been forgiven much, love much*

As the preacher relayed this timeless story I was struck in the heart.
I marveled at the effect of this woman's intense desire to express her adoration to her savior. It was so much that she was willing to be unkempt and become, what we would call dirty. Can you imagine the combination of tears and dirt she was left with when she arose from his feet. Yet the possibly now matted hair was in direct contrast to the fragrant aroma that surrounded her as she got up. She poured out what she had and gave it to God, and her contact with the Savior caused his anointing to be imparted on her as well.

How about the absurdity of a king dancing in the streets? His desire to express his thankfulness and adoration of the most high was unmatched in the kingdom. He danced every so many steps, while his kingly robes began to take leave of his body. Can you imagine the stares or the remarks? But did this stop the worship that was toward an audience of  One.

“It was before the Lord ...I will celebrate before the Lord. 2 Samuel 6:21

Does the gratefulness toward God for salvation ever overwhelm us in such a way, that we'd neglect dignity and reservation? Are we so focused on keeping up appearances that we lose out on the anointing, (the enabling present power of God) that comes from being in contact with the Savior?

Maybe we "love little" because we feel we have been "forgiven little". It's sheer audacity of any believer to feel we have been forgiven little. It is to say that we were not big sinners, as if there were such a thing as a little sinner. How arrogant for any to consider themselves to be forgiven of only little, when the chasm between us and God that sin caused was immeasurably vast.

Mary's sins were forgiven her after she worshiped without reservation. It was in spirit and truth. It was not superficial or calculated. It was more than the form of godliness, it presented with power. She loved much. Luke 7:47-48

David was given rest from all his enemies and received a promise of a forever-established throne because he worshiped without reserve. 2 Samuel 7:1,16. He understood who it was that he was praising and knew he deserved all that he could give. He loved much.

If anyone deserves our all  in worship, it is He who gave all to rescue us from separation from Him.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.- John 4:23

*Image above from web