"Outward judgment often fails, inward judgment never." - Theodore Parker
His silence was making matters worse. They pushed, they pressed, they demanded for an answer. He didn't have any other option, he can't afford to not respond: they wanted justice; or so they thought. The noise louder now. This crowd was agitating for something, without proper internal investigation. They weren't aware of something vital. The accused lady must have been stunned by His annoying silence. He lifts his head from his scribbling: He saw through them like clear glass. He continues to scribble, "if you've never been guilty of any offense, all your life..." He paused, eyes fixated on his scribbles, "cast the first stone at her." He'd answered. Was that the kind of answer they wanted? He cared less, as He continues to scribble. It must have seemed like forever, when the dust from the weight of a crashing body, at arms length causes him to pause, and speak.
"Where are your accusers." He asked, still not looking from his scribbling.
"They're gone." Her reply almost inaudible.
"Then, what are you waiting for...go." He paused to look at her. She'd already begun to walk away. "But change your ways. I don't accuse you either..." His words trails her as she fades into the busy street sobbing.
How many times have we in an attempt to straighten out others, forget we're so mangled ourselves we need to get straightened first? No wonder, Jesus said to "remove the beam from our eyes first, so we can clearly see to remove the log from our neighbours eyes." He knows we all need straightening out.
In an attempt to straighten out others, we must conquer ourselves first. We've been saved by grace, and as such should be gracious in our actions toward others, no matter how guilty we think they are. Truth be told, if we all were to be made to pay for our wrongs, none will be able to stand. This is why we're told, not of works that any man should boast. We should rather, learn to cover up, or make excuses for others but not excuse ourselves. We're ambassadors for Christ. Let others truly see Jesus in you today. Shalom!
No comments:
Post a Comment