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Judge, jury and executioner!
“In our Law Moses commanded that such a woman must be stoned to death. Now, what do you say?” John 8:5 (GNT)
Desperation and terror most …
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Judge, jury and executioner!
“In our Law Moses commanded that such a woman must be stoned to death. Now, what do you say?” John 8:5 (GNT)
Desperation and terror most certainly seized her heart as she waited for her sentence to be pronounced. She knows she has been set up. She is also painfully aware there is nothing she can do to protect herself since no one stands in her defense. She is helpless. Silently, she waits to endure the shameful consequences of what she has been caught doing. Where does a guilty person go, when others refuse to sympathize with their plight? When no one cares about their broken heart, life and wounded soul?
You see, the battle lines in this conflict between good and evil were first drawn in the courts of heaven thousands of years ago. As the seed of rebellion began to take root and flourish in the heart of Lucifer, a tremendous conflict ensued in the once peaceful, pure atmosphere of heaven.
Even in heaven, Jesus did what Lucifer and most of mankind have been unwilling to do — he denied himself, humbled himself and surrendered his life so others could live — “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8 (KJV)) Humility dissolves pride as through submission we see God restoring dignity and healing broken lives.
Today, dear friend, if you find yourself caught in a dark web of destruction — one that appears to have no way of escape, remember what Jesus is offering you. It is the same wonderful gift that he presented to the woman caught in sin. If you have been a victim of abuse, you can have the assurance that God will cleanse, forgive and heal you from all you have ever thought, said or done. The Apostle Paul reminds us that “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 (NIV)) The question you must answer is this. Do I want him to transform my life and fulfill his perfect plan for me? If so, he is waiting at the door of your heart longing to be invited in. Are you ready to open it wide and let him in? (Stay tuned, part six is coming next time.)
(Steve Nelson is pastor at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Powell.)
