You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. (Luke 7:46)
during world war ii, the Japanese Americans who lived on the West Coast were incarcerated in quickly constructed camps located in deserts and swamps. Elderly men and women, middle-aged parents, young adults, teenagers, children, and infants were all confined behind barbed-wire fences in substandard living conditions. None had been charged with any crime and the vast majority were loyal Americans. This included the first generation in America, who were denied citizenship by law. But most of those incarcerated were Nisei—second-generation Japanese Americans who were US citizens by birth.
While the Japanese Americans were incarcerated, the army asked for volunteers to serve in a segregated combat unit. In spite of unfair treatment and the loss of their constitutional rights, many Nisei volunteered to serve. They loved their country, and serving was a way to show their loyalty. And show it they did. When the war ended, the Nisei unit was the most decorated one in the war.
That’s the kind of dedication and service God wants from us. In today’s Bible passage, Jesus’ host ignored common courtesy, but the sinful woman gave everything she had to show her love for Jesus. As unrepentant sinners, we are in opposition to God’s love and forgiveness; but He offers it anyway. Like the Nisei and the sinful woman, we show our love best through acts of loving service.
Plan an act of service to show your love for God.
Kathryn Page Camp enjoys photography, reading, and sailing Lake Michigan with her husband of thirty-five years.
