The Daily Word: Thursday, May 14th, 2020
1 Samuel 15:1-16:23
John 8:1-20
Psalm 110:1-7
Proverbs 15:8-10
For full text click here.
Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” – Jn. 8:7
We live in a shame-based culture. As soon as we see someone else mess up, we love to stone them. Our stoning looks a little different than it did in Jesus’ day. They threw rocks! We take to Twitter. But the underlying human tendency is the same: we love to shame others, because it makes us feel better about ourselves.
But the Kingdom of God doesn’t work this way! When religious leaders wanted to condemn a woman who was caught “in the very act” of adultery (v. 4), Jesus asked them a question that dealt a killer blow to their plans: “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first” (v. 7). We have no right or responsibility to condemn others for making a mistake unless we are completely perfect ourselves! If even Jesus did not come to condemn (see v. 11), who are we to take matters into our own hands?
You’re not perfect. Yet God forgives you! So shouldn’t you extend that same grace and forgiveness to everyone else?
Prayer:
Father, I refuse to live in a shame-based culture built around condemnation! Instead, I choose to live in the Kingdom. I want to build others up with my words, instead of bringing them down! Help me to do it with grace, in Jesus’ name.
Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014.
See commentary from this day in 2015.
See commentary from this day in 2016.
See commentary from this day in 2017.
See commentary from this day in 2018.
See commentary from this day in 2019.
© Michael D. White, 2020. All rights reserved.