Throwing Stones

I had just finished getting my order at the drive-thru, and had decided to pull over in the parking lot and eat. Nice, quiet, and a time for reflection. If only for a moment and a very brief moment. My state of silence was soon disturbed by a neighboring vehicle.

The sound of the van was distraction enough. I also observed a small child in the passenger seat and what appeared to be her dad driving. The smoke from the cigarette rolled across her tiny face and no seat belt was holding her. The music grew louder and louder. The driver was having a tough time deciding on which vulgar rap music that would be most pleasing to all in the van and within everyone's ear reach. My first feelings about all of this were absolute disgust.

There was some irony involved in part of this encounter. I knew what song he was playing. I was familiar with the obscene words coming from his speakers. In my life, before The Holy Spirit invaded my heart, the same type of music would flow from my stereo. It was very clear, that God had a message for me. Before you act, remember this situation always. It used to be you. So, leave it to Me!

I understand, God, but I never played that music around my child. I never smoked. I never allowed her to be unbuckled in a car. You see, it is very different. I was nothing like that man. Even at my worst, I was never as bad as that man. I was much better. Or was I?

Just as quickly, as this situation presented itself, it drove away. I had imagined dragging this fellow out of his car the entire time. I doubted anyone else would have minded. You probably could have formed a line of people that would have taken a turn, as well. Jesus was tired of watching this Kung-Fu movie in my mind and replaced it with this message:

~ Teacher, they said to Jesus, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say? They were trying to trap Him into saying something they could use against Him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with His finger. They kept demanding an answer, so He stood up again and said, All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!

The He stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman. Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you? No, Lord, she said. And Jesus said, Neither do I. Go and sin no more. John 8:4-11 NLT

~ Tom Rogers ~
Copyright © 2010
All Rights Resrved

[ by: Tom Rogers, Copyright © 2010 ( tomrogers@rocketmail.com ) -- submitted by: Tom Rogers ]