This poor, shame-soiled, sin-ruined thing!

(J.R. Miller, "The Shining Light" 1911)

"When 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, and 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." Luke 7:37-38

"Jesus said to the woman: Your faith has saved you; go in peace!" Luke 7:50

Saved! This poor, shame-soiled, sin-ruined thing, whom the Pharisee would have thrust out of his house into the street! Saved! Never to go back any more to her old life! An heir of Heaven now, destined to walk the heavenly streets in white!

There is an old legend that one in passing along the way, touched a noxious weed, and it became a geranium, and has ever since been a geranium, pouring fragrance everywhere.

No matter about the legend — but Christ did something far more wonderful on the day of our story. He touched this sinful soul — and it was transformed into beauty! That woman has been in glory for eighteen centuries. That is what Christ does for every one who creeps to His feet in penitence and faith!