A Most Wonderful Opportunity

Just over 2000 years ago an incident took place that gives us a clear look into the heart of mankind.  There are different types of people; those who accuse others, rarely looking at their own shortcomings, and those who accuse themselves, unable to recognize or receive forgiveness.  Both need a revelation of love, an understanding of grace.

Many of you will already be recalling the story I’m referring to that is recorded in John 8.  The story tells of a woman who was caught in an illegal act.  She was reported to the town’s authorities; those whose duty it was to uphold the law of the land.  They made a decision that would prove to be a life changing opportunity for everyone involved.  They brought her to Jesus.

Standing before Him with the woman in tow, they revealed what she had done and asked what punishment He would recommend.  They already knew the law of the land.  They knew what the law required – death.  What would Jesus say?  It is most interesting to note that Jesus gave everyone present a glimpse into redemption.  He forced them all to take an honest look at themselves; an opportunity to reach out from a sea of darkness to a lifeboat of light that would save them from themselves.  In other words, Jesus was able to help them all realize that one was no better than the other.  They were all floundering in the same sea of darkness.  They all needed the same light to rescue them from the paths on which they were traveling through life.

Jesus did not refute the law but he required that the accusers look into their own hearts.  He did not accuse the woman but he required that she recognize the path she was on and change course.  He required that everyone present see their own darkened hearts.  He offered a way to be forgiven and to walk in the light of truth and love and freedom.  He offered Himself.  He would pay for everything that all of them had ever done.  It didn’t matter the depth of wrongdoing; it only mattered the height of love that would cover them all.

Nothing has changed all these years later.  Some of us accuse others while some of us wallow in self degradation.  No one has to live with a darkened heart.  Each person, without exception, has opportunity to reach out and receive eternal forgiveness for everything they have ever done.  Each person can receive love that is so pure and vast that it can’t be measured.  Each person can receive hope that will sustain them through all their days on earth; an abiding hope that promises a future world where no wrongdoing or self degradation exists.  Each person can receive Jesus.  Just ask Him to come into your life, to forgive you, to give you the strength to walk the path of life, leaving all darkness behind – forever!