Freedom from shame

​March 15, 2020
Today's devotion is based on John 8:2,3. "Early in the morning, He (Jesus) came again to the temple. All the people came to Him, and He sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery. "

This woman had broken the moral Law.  Although Roman Law did not permit stoning, the Jewish Law did. She could lose her life if found guilty, and it appears that she had been found guilty.  There was no hope for her.
But though she didn't realize it, there was hope. Jesus Himself was there, in the middle of her horrible situation. But what was He doing? He was not joining the chorus of condemnation all around her. He was silent, busy writing. When they kept bugging Him, He finally stood up long enough to say just one thing: "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her."  His final words to her were, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."

Those words are good news for her and us! Comfort for anyone who has memories that make them cringe in shame. Jesus calls us to Himself, not to condemn but to forgive, cleanse, and relieve. He takes our shame from us and puts it on His own back. He takes it away forever and nails it to His cross. He sets us free—free of sin, free of shame, free to live as God's forgiven people. Even you. Even me.
  
Please join me in praying our prayer for today:  Thank You, dear Lord, for setting me free from sin and shame. Amen.