SPIRITUAL SIGH
When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." John 8:10-11 (NKJV)
Imagine the spiritual sigh of relief that resonated inside this woman's heart as these words of forgiveness fell on her ears. Keep in mind that she was guilty of the accusations against her. She had been caught in the act of adultery (John 8:4), and under Mosaic Law, her execution would have been just and reasonable.
Let that sink in. She undoubtedly knew the Law; perhaps she had even seen it enforced on others. In all likelihood, she considered her death a foregone conclusion; all that remained to be determined were the details.
What would it feel like when the first volley of stones found their mark? What would be the image she saw before closing her eyes for the last time? And what would it be like to walk into the shadowy valley of death as an adulteress?
Freeze that frame for a moment and put yourself in her place. As sinners, we were just as guilty before God as she was. Her adultery was our lying, cheating, greed, idolatry, etc. No matter how we fill in the blank, all of us deserved eternal death for sinning against a perfect, pure, and holy God (Romans 6:23).
Then we looked to Him and heard Him say, I don't condemn you; I forgive you. Thankfulness, gratitude, appreciation . . . these words fall short in describing the spiritual sigh of relief we share with this forgiven woman. The trajectory of our destiny was completely changed-sinners were made saints, punishment was exchanged for paradise, and instead of stones, we feel His forgiveness-all because Jesus forgives sinners.
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17 NKJV)
Discuss what you think was going though this woman’s mind as the accusers walked away. What kind of life do you suppose she lived after this encounter with Jesus? Dig into Romans Chapter 6. What should our response to God’s forgiveness be? Decide to live like a person who’s been given a second chance at life.
Each day, take time to “count yourself dead to sin” and alive to God through Christ.
This material was brought to you by Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity. Last Call Digest, is a ministry of Michael James Stone, volunteers, and people dedicated to the Love of God and Salvation of Souls. It is an aggragate of Christian Material selected to Bless you and Prepare you for each and every day you read them. May God Bless You as You Do!! Reading these Devotions will help you to prepare daily for life, living, and your Lord. You will hear God Speak To You thru them. Jesus is Coming Very Soon.
Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity, operates by you, with you, and for you. “Freely you have received, freely give” Pass this on, everywhere you can, anytime you can, anyway you can. You will be blessed if you do.LastCallDigest@michaeljamesstone.com