When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." – Mark 2:5
I have to believe that the walking paralytic carried on a robust worship life after Jesus not only healed him physically, but told him that his sins are forgiven. He was given everything he needed for life now and forever.
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37When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." – Luke7:37-38, 47
47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." – Luke7:37-38, 47
This woman’s level of worship was incredible; it was emotional, public, and vastly personal, and a phenomenal example of giving as worship. This short recollection gives compelling example that it’s not the relative level of a person’s sinfulness that measures ones desire to worship God, but the level of recognition of ones own sinfulness and the truth of the recognition of sins as utterly repulsive to a Holy God that will launch a believer’s worship. When someone more fully realizes his own sinfulness in God’s sight and learns how totally pure God is; when that someone increasingly refers to himself as the chief of sinners, then that worshiper will more fully appreciate God’s phenomenal sacrificial act of mercy and love for forgiveness, and climb to new levels of intimate worship of the Savior.
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Do you contemplate through prayer and meditation your own sinfulness, and ask God to reveal the ways which you displease Him that may not be evident to you? Do you study God’s true attitude toward sin and His utterly Holy nature in the word? If you do both consistently, you may find yourself worshiping God more fervently.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. – 1 Timothy 1:15-17 (emphasis mine)
