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.
Night Prayer
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
Inspiration
When a king rules with fairness and justice, his kingdom will flourish. If the same king accepts gifts or bribes, his kingdom will fall. We've all observed a person in a leadership position who acted wrongfully. Perhaps a boss did not discipline employees fairly, or a political leader accepted kickbacks for legislation decisions. These corrupt actions lead to their demise. Scripture advises leaders to maintain justice with fair decision-making. As leaders, we must reflect on the mercy and grace God shows to us and lead others in the same fashion.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for coaching us in our leadership endeavors. We have faith in Your Words and will lead Your people accordingly. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Devotion
The Widow of Naim
Frances Taylor
This story of Jesus' raising the son of the widow of Naim gives us some information that lets us know just how important it was for this widow. At that time, women had no way to earn a living. They were property of their parents until they became property of their husbands, and actually moved into the home of the husband. Now that this widow's son had died, she had no one to take care of her. The compassion that Jesus showed meant life to that widow. I'm sure the leaders weren't too happy that the power of God to raise someone from the dead rested in Jesus. There must also have been those who were saying, "Why her and not me?" We all will die and we will all lose someone we love including those of us who have and will lose children. We can easily read this passage and question. It can be difficult to understand God's plan for us, even though we keep trying. It is better to concentrate on the positive than the negative. A priest I once knew lost ...
