Forgiven

By Paula Williamson guest writer

Have you ever been caught with your hand in the cookie jar? You knew it shouldn’t be there—you were told no, but you did it anyway.

Busted!

That is how the woman caught in adultery must have felt when the religious leaders brought her before Jesus. In her day, her sin was punishable by stoning. Imagine the shame she must have felt—the guilt, the fear, the humiliation of standing before a crowd ready to condemn her.

Then Jesus did something completely unexpected. He said to her accusers, “He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.” One by one, the accusers walked away. The woman was left standing before Jesus. He asked her a question: “Where are your accusers?” She lifted her head and saw that no one remained. Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you.”

What undeserved relief she must have felt. What unexpected compassion. Jesus did not give her what she deserved—He gave her something she never expected: mercy, compassion, and a second chance.

It Is Written

ISAIAH 61: 7 Instead of your [former] shame you will have a double portion ; And instead of humiliation your people will shout for joy over their portion. Therefore, in their land they will possess double [what they had forfeited]; Everlasting joy will be theirs.

What a Gift

Forgiveness. Second chances. More grace than we deserve. Humiliation removed. Everlasting joy.

Who can promise such amazing gifts?

Jesus. Jesus in us—Jesus working through us.

Such a mystery. Such extravagance. Such hope. Such unconditional love.

Prayer

Lord, You know everything I have done—every failure and every mistake. You know the motives behind them.

I am guilty and deserving of punishment. I willingly take responsibility. Yet I ask for what I do not deserve—forgiveness.

I lay my guilt and shame at the foot of the cross and receive what Jesus has done for me. Take off my sin-stained robe and replace it with Your righteousness. I receive Your everlasting joy.

Takeaway

I have a new name—Forgiven.