Kingdom Moments - July 17, 2010
Updated Jul 27, 2010
Being Brought Before Jesus
John 8:3-6, Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?" This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. NKJV
As you read the verses in today's scriptures, you see this woman was an excuse for the scribes and Pharisees to tempt Jesus. According to their view point, it wasn't about her, and the sin she was caught committing, but more about finding fault with Jesus.
These men never saw it coming... they came before Jesus with this sinner woman for one reason, but before it was over, they all saw a side of Jesus they didn't realize He had. When they brought this woman into Jesus' presence, it became her worst nightmare. If Jesus agreed with the men about what the Law of Moses condemns...adultery, then in a matter of minutes her life would end.
Satan is called the accuser of the brethren, who goes before God day and night. If you've ever wondered what can come out of such a meeting, you might consider reading the first chapter of Job, or Luke 22: 31. It generally means we're about to face a fiery trial. There's no need for concern, because we see in today's text that we have an advocate to plead our case. Remember Jesus told Simon, "I've prayed for you that your faith doesn't fail, and when you are converted strengthen you brothers." Jesus steps in between Satan and God, and becomes our defense in our absence. So know that the moment you find yourself in a "situation" as Job, Simon, or this woman hold your peace, and let Jesus do the talking.
The trials of our faith aren't to be met with a self-defense strategy, but rather are to be endured by our faith in what Jesus has done, and what He tells us to do during the trial. The result of facing your trials by faith, and not self-defense (notice this woman didn't try to defend herself) is a stronger walk with the One who will bring you out safely. As Jesus is confronted by the men, and what the law tells them to do, Jesus turns the tables. He brings the sins of the men into His argument, and watches as one by one every man becomes convicted by their own conscience. He didn't condemn them, but only mentioned sin in passing. Although He could have, Jesus didn't point His finger at any of them, nor did He tell each one what they had done in their lives. Their guilt took care of the rest. The encounter with Jesus became the greatest blessing of this woman's life. She no longer had to live in sin, nor have people in the community know what she did, and when she is doing it.
There is something good about trials if you're a child of God, but only if you turn to Him, and don't get angry because of the trial. It can, and will bring us into the presence of grace, truth, and yes, justice. If we will believe the truth that Jesus died for us, so that we no longer have to worry about Satan's little sideshows, and walk in grace ...which is to face our accusers... the grace of God will become our strength. In the end you become strong, your adversary loses another case, and the ones who tried to kill you, your reputation, or bring harm against you are brought to justice for once. There's so much at work in a fiery trial that to try and sum it up in a series of sermons would serve an injustice to the body of Christ. So I will leave you with a thought... allow the trials you face to bring you closer to the God you trust, then watch as Jesus wins your case for you.
In His presence,
Pastor Asa
To view today's broadcast of Keys to Kingdom Living by Pastor Asa Dockery, click here
Originally published July 17, 2010.
