Life-Changing Words

Daily Reading: John 8

Scripture Focus: Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more. (John 8.11)

Devotional Thought: Jesus was interrupted by a group of men set on destroying Jesus’ ministry.  In the process, they were willing to sacrifice the life of a young, though sinful, woman.  The woman had been caught in the very act of adultery.  The angry mob (more angry at Jesus than the sinful behavior) insisted that the woman should be stoned to death for her behavior.

Jesus didn’t play along with them.  Instead, he insisted that her accusers examine themselves: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her” (v. 7).  Then he simply ignored them.  As the Spirit began to work on their hearts, her accusers left one by one  When it was just the sinful woman standing before Jesus, she heard wonderful words: “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? ...Neither do I condemn you!”

Thanks be to God!  The enemy condemns us, but with Jesus we are pardoned.  With Jesus we are left standing.  It is not Jesus’ intent to condemn us; that’s not why he came.  He came to save us. 

The woman also heard some other wonderful words that day.  Words that would change her life just as surely as the words “neither do I condemn you.”  What were those life-changing words?  “From now on sin no more”!  Again, I say, thanks be to God!  In those simple words, Jesus set her free.  She didn’t have to live under the dominion and control of sin any longer.  She would be able to leave that life and live a new life.  Aren’t you glad that in the grace of Jesus we are not only forgiven, but we are also made new, completely new!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for speaking words of life into my soul.  The enemy would condemn me, but in Jesus I am pardoned!  Help me to leave my life of sin and live completely for you!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 35.1-8

1 Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!

2 Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help!

3 Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, "I am your salvation!"

4 Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life! Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me!

5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away!

6 Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them!

7 For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my life.

8 Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it! And let the net that he hid ensnare him; let him fall into it--to his destruction!