Devotion
Gracious Love
Chipo Biti
This scenario is a perfect example of the gracious love that Jesus Christ has to us. This gracious love extended to when were still sinners. The scribes and the Pharisees, men who basked in their own self-righteousness, brought forward a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. It is quite interesting to note that they did not bring the man the woman was with, considering the fact that it takes two to commit adultery. Anyway, the scribes and Pharisees were ready to see "justice" carried out. They had found someone who had committed an act they wanted punished. They wanted to condemn her and give her the ultimate punishment - stoning.
The Pharisees and the scribes also had ulterior motives. They wanted to use this situation to trap Jesus. If he ordered that the lady was to be killed, they were going to use that against Him. If he chose to let the woman go, they were going to use that against Him. The Pharisees and the scribes did not like Jesus at all. Simply because he exposed the flaws within their self-righteousness. They were not ready to change their ways. They set their eyes on seeking revenge against Jesus instead.
You should never allow yourself to get to a point where you refuse to take correction. You will end up being as bitter and blinded as the Pharisees - and this is a life you do not want to live.
Jesus, who was well aware of their motives, ignored their baying for blood and proceeded to write on the floor. When he got up, and simply told them that the one who is without the first sin should throw the first stone. He wasn't denying that justice was to be served, but he said that the person who does not have any sins should do so.
The Pharisees and the scribes were brought down from their high horses and they all left with their heads bowed. When you get caught up in self-righteousness, you become bent on pointing out other people's sins instead of focusing on the flaws in your life. Such pride will always lead to an embarrassing fall.
Prayer
Remember that you, like this lady who was caught in the act of adultery, are a recipient of the gracious love of Jesus Christ. That love found you neck-deep in your sins and showed you that you are worthy of love. Without that love, you would not be free.
Never be quick to forget that, as you deal with different people in the world.
Devotion
The Barrier is Removed
Frances Taylor
Moses had brought the Israelites out of Egypt and now they were wondering if they were any better off! They had reached the Red Sea, and couldn't see any way around this barrier that had been placed before them. But God knew what he was doing and Moses followed his instructions and the sea parted so that the Israelites could pass through on dry ground. A question sometimes asked at a job interview is, "What do you do when you face an obstacle?" How would you answer? Would you try to go around it, through it, or perhaps over it? Moses could not go around his obstacle and knew that without help, he could never bring all the people, animals and supplies through it. So, he asked God for help. Was that the first thing you thought of? There is a saying, "If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it." The key here is to ask God to bring us through it.
We often face challenges in our lives, especially when we are trying to live as Jesus wants...
Morning Prayer
Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Inspiration
What is grace? It is the free and unmerited favor of God, his gifts to us. One such example was the salvation brought to us by Christ. It is state of being favored and of being the chosen people. One such further example would be the Israelites, who God led to their promised land. We today, have inherited this grace. We today, are simultaneously unworthy of him, yet we are his chosen. Rejoice, rejoice in his grace.
Prayer
To my Lord God almighty, who art in Heaven, I thank you for your divine light and grace, given to me every day. I may not be worthy, I may not be pure and perfect, but I beg you to be merciful. For in your grace, in your faith, I may go on to improve each day. In your grace, I will strive to be a better servant, here as in Heaven. Amen.
