Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery.” John 8:4 (GNT)
In Biblical times, it was very dangerous to commit acts such as …
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Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery.” John 8:4 (GNT)
In Biblical times, it was very dangerous to commit acts such as adultery. For obvious reasons, something of this nature would most certainly be done in secret. So how did they know where the woman was and with whom she would be committing this act, anyway?
Many things needed to happen in order for her to be set up in such a sinister plot. Yet, there they are — bold, heartless, accusing, defiant, exacting and cruel, without love and certainly without mercy! Where is he, her lover, to come to her defense? He is obviously fully aware of the consequences she will be facing and yet somehow, he is mysteriously nowhere to be found although apparently party to this evil plot.
She is forced into a trial against her will and without the ability to adequately defend herself. With the weight of the evidence stacked against her, it becomes painfully clear: She must give up the hope of a fair trial. Silently, she waits only to endure the shameful consequences of what she has done.
Where does a guilty one go when others won’t sympathize with their plight? When no one cares about their broken life?
For you, my friend, Jesus says that whatever hardship has fallen upon you to bear, he has endured it for you. Every trial we face he knows our experience. He is not absent in your distress, unconcerned with your pain or oblivious to your trials. He loves you so much that your heartache, your tears and your sorrows, he has already felt for you! There is hope, safety and healing when you learn to trust God and rely on his word — I have experienced this in my own life and know with certainty God will never fail you or let you down.
Stay tuned, part five is coming next time.
(Steve Nelson is pastor at Seventh Day Adventist Church.)