John 7:53-8:11
The grip of judgment is hard to release. Like a hand clinched
around a hardened stone, there seems little that can be done to overcome the
anger and contempt that draws muscles tight and sets nerves on edge. Something
must be done to exercise such judgment...someone must pay a price, someone must
be made an example.
A woman is thrust before the crowd, publicly humiliated for
sexual sin. Righteous fingers are pointed in contempt as scripture is cited to
justify this growing clamor for justice. One can sense the terror and shame of
the woman who likely knows already the outcome of this "trial". But
then, a man who has been stirring the dusty ground with his fingers throughout
the prosecution's presentation, says, “Let any one of you who is without
sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then
he looks away and stirs the dust once more.
One by one, hands clinching weapons of judgment begin to open.
One by one, with no particular rhythm, stones drop to the ground as the jury
members turn and walk away. The atmosphere once electric with anticipated
vengeance, is suddenly still as grace confronts sin. "Where are your
accusers?" the man asks. "Who has condemned you?" The woman,
stunned by the sudden turn of events, replies, "No one, sir."
"Then neither do I condemn you."
I wonder if you and I see ourselves in that crowd...does the
grip of judgment tightly control us, or do we hear the words of the man, Jesus,
as he says, "Who has condemned you?" Perhaps, we see ourselves in
both.
Prayer: Gracious God, forgive our judgmental ways, and remind
us that we are forever debtors to your grace. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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