Going against the flow isn’t easy.

Generally, it’s much simpler to keep your head down, do your best to fit in, and cater to the crowd, isn’t it?

But what if that’s not God’s best for us in the moment?

There was a woman in Luke 7 who took going against the flow to another level entirely and glorified God in a way many of us would blush from embarrassment over.

Jesus had been invited to a Pharisee’s house for dinner (vs. 36).

When this woman heard Jesus was there, she showed up with an “alabaster jar of perfume and stood behind him at His feet, weeping, and began to wash His feet with her tears.

She wiped His feet with her hair, kissing them and anointing them with the perfume.” (vs. 37-38)

The Pharisee watched. His internal reaction was critical.

He knew this woman was a “sinner” and was appalled that Jesus would permit such a person into His presence much less allow this emotional and disruptive display to take place (vs. 39).

This woman had a past, littered with choices she regretted.

Her decision to crash the Pharisee’s dinner party and act like a fool in the presence of everyone was an intentional act of thanksgiving and worship.

She knew she was a sinner; she was aware of her reputation; she could feel the Pharisee’s judgmental gaze.

None of that mattered right now. Her life had been redeemed.

She was here, at the Pharisee’s dinner party, because of love.

The Pharisee saw her actions as foolish.

Jesus saw them as worship.

He used the opportunity to share a story with the Pharisee (that, ultimately, contrasted her seemingly over-the-top public display to the Pharisee’s strict adherence to behavioral norms.)

And, as was the pattern of Jesus, He boiled it all down to the heart, “Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” (vs. 47)

This woman knew she had been “forgiven of much” and, as a result, her actions conveyed it – even when they weren’t socially acceptable.

I wonder if we can say the same?

Lord God, let me remember how very much I’m forgiven and loved!  

Help me pour that love out for You today and be willing, if need be, to look like a fool in the eyes of the world as I glorify and worship you, my precious King!

You have chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and You have chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. (I Corinthians 1:27 CSB)

I surrender all today, my Savior! Amen!

Until next time, Grace and Glory!