Confronting Condemnation

She grabbed her robes and ran. The angry self-righteous crowd followed her, screaming condemnation, so as to make a public spectacle of her secret shame. No one thought of the men who were probably with her as she was caught red handed in her guilt. This would make a great case to trump the theology of the Man Who was roaming their streets, claiming to be God's Own Son. This Man, Jesus was changing lives and bringing freedom to the ones who were in their grasp of condemnation. The signs of healings, deliverances and dead people being raised were sure confirmation of His claims. This, they thought, was their chance for a show-down.

"4 Teacher, they said, this woman has been caught in the very act of adultery.5 Now Moses in the Law commanded us that such [women—offenders] shall be stoned to death. But what do You say [to do with her—what is Your sentence]?" John 8:4-5 [Amplified Bible]

Their eyes might have glistened as they awaited His reply.

"7 He raised Himself up and said, Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7 [Amplified Bible]

With these words, NO ONE stood a chance to raise a finger at the woman. Every condemning voice rendered silent.

Turning to the woman, "... Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more."

The only One who could condemn her - did not.

If you believe in the death and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ as a payment for your sins - then stop guilt and condemnation from ruling your life.

"13 And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions,

14 Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared [j]completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.

15 [God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross]." Colossians 2:13-15[Amplified Bible]

The enemy has no weapon and no document against you. Don't believe his lies that condemn and strike our hearts with fear. These are decoys, bringing us into inaction for the purposes of Christ. This is what the enemy wants! Inaction, being afraid to be like Jesus, changing lives of people around you through your talents, your gifts which God has purposefully placed in you.

"Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]." Hebrew 4:16[Amplified Bible]

Let us be and do everything God called us to do!