And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” John 8:11 ESV

A woman caught in the act of adultery was brought before Jesus. The people wanted Jesus to agree with the Law which stated that such a person should be stoned to death. Jesus refrained from speaking. Instead, he began to write on the ground. What he wrote we will not know this side of heaven. But as he wrote, each person from the eldest to the youngest ran away until no one was left to accuse the woman. Jesus likewise did not condemn the person. Instead he gave her a warning and a personal mission; freedom and encouragement to change her ways.

When I read the last several chapters of the Book of Revelation which showcases Jesus as the person who will judge us on our walk in this life, I am very thankful.  We have a judge that has proven himself to be very merciful.  And I need more mercy than most. Yet, I am also very apprehensive.  Though he lives in us, leads us, and encourages us on a daily basis, we don’t always respond to him as quickly or enthusiastically as one fully empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Each season in life, we discover another area of self that is imperfect compared to our Savior.

Yes, sin is very deceptive.  Most of our human difficulties are buried under the disguise of sin. We need food, clothing, and shelter to survive. So rather than trust our Maker with the solution and seek-out work that is beneficial for all stakeholders, we turn to crime, prostitution, or free loafing.  We want intimacy, respect, and recognition from others. So instead of having Christ fill our inner desires, we manipulate, control, and bend people toward our way of thinking and goals.

Jesus knows how strong the inner desires of an unconverted heart can become. He also knows the solution.  He allows trials and tests in this life so we may mature in virtue, godliness, and Kingdom living.  We can be thankful that He is our judge and jury. He knows our frame. He knows our inadequacies. He knows our fears and doubts. Yet He also knows what it is going to take to prepare us for eternity. To be a vessel that will glorify God and productive toward others.

We may be guilty for a ton of stuff that has enslaved us to this world. Yet Jesus showers us with his grace and opens the door for us to change and follow Him in His Kingdom. So like Paul before us, we don’t even judge ourselves (I Corinthians 4:3). We place our trust and faith in our Merciful Judge, Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. How about you?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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