“Moses,
in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?”
(John 8:5). Pretty cocky, this committee of high ethics. Pretty proud of
themselves, this agent of righteousness. This will be a moment they long
remember, the morning they foil and snag the mighty Nazarene.
What
does Jesus do? Jesus writes in the sand. He stoops down and draws in the dirt.
And as he writes, he speaks: “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a
stone at her first”.
The
young look to the old. The old look in their hearts. They are the first to drop
their stones. And as they turn to leave, the young who were cocky with borrowed
convictions do the same. The only sound is the thud of rocks ant the shuffle of
feet.
With
the jury gone, the courtroom becomes the judge’s chambers, and the woman awaits
his verdict. “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned
you?” She answers, ”No one, Lord”. Then Jesus says, “Neither do I condemn you;
go and sin no more”.
If
you have ever wondered how God reacts when you fail, frame these words and hang
them on the wall. Read them. Ponder them. Drink from them. Stand below them and
let them wash over your soul.
And
remember. Remember the message he left. Not in the sand, but on a cross. Not
with his hand, but with his blood. His message has two words: Not guilty.
—Max
Lucado
I cried as I read this last night. And
somehow I pictured Daddy Jesus hugged me from behind, and it was so peaceful.
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