When I opened this Bible for the first time, I started reading where Annabel (the protagonist in The Merchant’s Daughter) had, in the book of Luke. I didn’t really know what to expect when I started reading Luke, but I was determined to see it differently and with new eyes. Looking back, I can’t believe I’ve taken this long to really read the Bible!
As soon as I started reading Luke, I was immediately drawn in. For the very first time, I felt like I was reading one of my favorite books, because it pulled me into its story and forced me to hold on. It was incredible to learn new things about Yeshua and not feel drained after reading one chapter. Everyday this week, I’ve come home wanting to spend the rest of my afternoon reading the rest of Luke and finding out what happened next. Not once have I felt bored or want to move onto the next book on my list.
One part of Luke really hit a spot in my heart and made me quite emotional. I wasn’t expecting it to happen, but as I was reading about the woman, who was a sinner, weeping over Yeshua’s feet and anointing them with perfume, something in me wanted to cry out.
Most of the books I read have romance in them, but none of them have ever contained this kind of true love. In just ten verses, love is shown at it’s fullest and it’s not a lustful kind of love, but a pure love that allows even the biggest sins to be forgiven. This woman, Miryam, loved Yeshua so much that she knelt at His feet, weeping, anointing them with perfume, and kissing them without cease.
I love Yeshua, but I’m ashamed to say that unlike Miryam, I have never loved or proclaimed this much love for Him. But, after reading those ten verses, I have found a new love for my Savior, one that will never end. He suffered so I could have a close relationship with the Father, and for years I had neglected that honor, but not anymore. I have an immense desire to learn more about my amazing Lord, I can’t tell you how excited I am to grow in Him this year!
Sunday marked six years since I was baptised, and it’s shocking to see the transformation that has happened. At the time of my baptism, I really wanted to do it, but I had no idea how I was supposed to live after it. For a time, I grew in my faith, but then I hit a stumbling block. It’s taken me six years to make a full circle back to Elohim.
I know that I went through all that I did for a reason, so I don't regret anything, but now its time to move forward and learn from the last six years. I’m ready for Him to take the reins and I believe He will take care of me, because that’s what is written in the Word. “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)
This last Shabbat (Saturday) really made me consider all these things and gave me the desire to recommit myself to the Lord, YHVH. Six years ago, I renounced the Devil and all his works, but I still allowed him to get a foothold in my life. So, after really considering it, I believe that its time to be baptized again and really mean it this time. My heart is in the right place, I’m not just wanting to do it to do it. Hopefully, if the weather is nice, I can be baptized again soon! It would be really amazing to be baptised in the same place Yeshua taught His disciples!