Devotional for the Week 24 May 2004

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Devotional for the Week 24 May 2004

The Gospel Encounters (2): Shame Washed Away
Reference: John 8:1-11; 1 John 1:9

What is shame? Perhaps it is like wearing a wrong piece of clothing that can't be taken off. Everyone talks about it. And you wish you were never born. The woman in John 8:1-11 must have felt that way. Caught in the act of adultery, she was scorned in public. She must have been overwhelmed with guilt and shame.

It didn't matter to the Pharisees if the Scriptural Law in Deuteronomy 22:22-24 clearly stated that both the man and woman in a scandalous relationship had to be stoned together. It didn't matter if her lover was missing. It didn't matter if the woman didn't receive a fair trial. What mattered was that she was in the wrong and this was one tricky situation in which they could trap Jesus.

They challenged Jesus, "Stone her." She was GUILTY WITHOUT HOPE.

Jesus' answer baffled all. "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

He didn't declare the woman to be innocent nor contradict the Law by asking them not to stone her. Rather He affirmed the Law by asking them to stone her. One by one, the Pharisees backed off. They had no case. Jesus knew the condition of their hearts. They were sinners.

Jesus went on to ask her, "Where are (your accusers)? Has no one condemned you?" When she replied, "No one, sir," He said, "Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin."

To Jesus, the woman was GUILTY WITHOUT CONDEMNATION.

God doesn't condone our sin, but He is ever interested in our repentance and sincerity to change. 1 John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Won't you do that today?

- Ps Joel Yong

Prayer:
"Dear Lord Jesus, the shame of sin hangs over me like a piece of filthy rag. I confess my sin of _________ (specify). Please forgive me. I want to let You change my life. I know I'm not sinless, but I fully desire to sin less."

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This Week's Devotional \| 2004 Devotionals \| 2005 Devotionals Devotional for the Week 24 May 2004 Send this page to a friend The Gospel Encounters (2): Shame Washed Away Reference: John 8:1-11; 1 John 1:9 What is shame? Perhaps it is like wearing a wrong piece of clothing that can't be taken off. Everyone talks about it. And you wish you were never born. The woman in John 8:1-11 must have felt that way. Caught in the act of adultery, she was scorned in public. She must have been overwhelmed with guilt and shame. It didn't matter to the Pharisees if the Scriptural Law in Deuteronomy 22:22-24 clearly stated that both the man and woman in a scandalous relationship had to be stoned together. It didn't matter if her lover was missing. It didn't matter if the woman didn't receive a fair trial. What mattered was that she was in the wrong and this was one tricky situation in which they could trap Jesus. They challenged Jesus, "Stone her." She was GUILTY WITHOUT HOPE. Jesus' answer baffled all. "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." He didn't declare the woman to be innocent nor contradict the Law by asking them not to stone her. Rather He affirmed the Law by asking them to stone her. One by one, the Pharisees backed off. They had no case. Jesus knew the condition of their hearts. They were sinners. Jesus went on to ask her, "Where are (your accusers)? Has no one condemned you?" When she replied, "No one, sir," He said, "Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin." To Jesus, the woman was GUILTY WITHOUT CONDEMNATION. God doesn't condone our sin, but He is ever interested in our repentance and sincerity to change. 1 John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Won't you do that today? *- Ps Joel Yong* Prayer: "Dear Lord Jesus, the shame of sin hangs over me like a piece of filthy rag. I confess my sin of _________ (specify). Please forgive me. I want to let You change my life. I know I'm not sinless, but I fully desire to sin less."
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