Guilt Free...

Guilty cries the crowd, and they take up stones. The woman has no defender. Caught in the act, dragged out of the room. A cloak thrown around her shoulders to keep out cold. But it cannot hide her sin.

Picture yourself as that woman-humiliated, terrified.

You are thrust in front of your neighbors, townspeople, people you know. You feel ashamed. They look at you with disdain. you feel like a small child battered by the condemning look of those accusing people. You want to run and hide, but where can you go?

Even your own heart condemns you. "Guilty!" It points a finger. A sharp stab of pain cuts at the core of who you are. Overwhelming by waves of sadness and shame, you sink to the ground, huddled in a heap.

The crowd presses in. They tower over you, not only bearing down on you but also on Jesus, the one they are questioning. Instead of answering their questions, he bends down and writes in the dust. There is stillness about Him, a composure that will not be hurried. He glanced up at you. His eyes are not like the others; they are soft with mercy.

Then He speaks to the crowd with a voice sure and steady, with authority. There is silence. A long silence... Now their heads are bowed.Thud. a hard rich hits the ground.Thud.Thud.Thud.Another then another. One by one your accusers walk away.

You are left alone with Jesus. Quietly, He comes close. He reaches out and lifts your chin up with his hand. He smiles and wipes away the tears that stains your cheeks. His touch takes your breath away.  He makes you feel cherished. Lovely.

Slowly he helps you to your feet.

And says,"Go now and sin no more!"