April 15

"For she loved much."—Luke 7:47.

THREE things this woman gave.

Penitence was one. If her sin was dark, her sorrow was deep. If she had been a prodigal daughter, it was with weeping and mourning that she sought again her Father's house. And love was another. There was something about Jesus—the looks of His countenance, the tones of His voice, His whole manner and bearing—which drew her towards Him with a commanding and irresistible affection. And sacrifice was a third. She spilled and spent her precious ointment on the Saviour. She counted all things loss for His dear sake.

These be the gifts I bring to Christ. They are the treasures His great heart covets. My penitence, my love, my sacrifice—He would rather have them than my knowledge, my eloquence, my patronage, my diligence, my wealth.

And three things this woman received.

Pardon was one. He said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. The burden of her guilt was loosened from her shoulders and fell from her back. And purity was another. She went from the Gracious Presence and the Sacred Face to live a life blessedly new. God her Healer restored the miserable past which the cankerworm had wasted. And joy was a third. Go in peace, the Lord commanded. And what He commanded He gave. Hers was now and for ever the peace which passeth all understanding—"the Rose that cannot wither."

These be the gifts I take from Christ. They are the treasures my poor heart needs. His pardon, His purity, His peace—they are more to be desired than a universe of gold or than the mines where the diamonds and rubies lie.