Caught in the Act
by Kevin Dickson

Recently, I received an e-mail from an old friend.  He and I were once quite close; however, our friendship has grown somewhat distant since I made the decision to abandon living in the homosexual lifestyle.  His e-mail was short and to the point: "Check this out. I thought it was funny."  Following this statement was a link that took me to the story of a well-known minister who had been caught propositioning a male undercover police officer.  As I read the story I wept.  This man’s life was turned upside down, his ministry became a mockery, and the world laughed as the Church’s stand against homosexuality was seemingly dealt a terrific blow.

Since reading this story, I have prayed often for this now-former minister and his family.  I can only imagine how he must be feeling inside.  The regret must be incredible as he thinks, "If only I had not done that.  All of us, to some extent, are able to relate to such feelings.  We’ve all done things that we later wished with all our worth we could go back and undo.  Unfortunately, we can’t undo what’s already happened; however, making even the biggest mistake doesn’t leave us without hope.

The Bible offers several examples of men and women who found themselves on the remorseful side of a bad decision.  One such example is found in the book of John, chapter 8.  As Jesus sat teaching a crowd of people, a group of religious leaders burst in with a woman whom they said they found in bed with a man other than her husband.  (One can’t help but wonder how they caught her and why they didn’t bring the other guilty party before the crowd.)  We can imagine her state of mind as they hurled her into the middle of the crowd.  Showing little regard for her emotional condition, they seemed anxious to humiliate her.  "The law of Moses says to stone her," they said to Jesus.  "What do you say?"

The Bible makes it clear that these leaders were not interested in upholding the law.  Their sole intent for humiliating this woman was merely to entrap Jesus.  Jesus knew this and, rather than provide these men with what they were looking for, He simply began writing in the dirt.  What He wrote is anyone’s guess; however, many believe He was listing the private sins of the men standing in accusation of the woman.  Undeterred, the men pressed for an answer from Jesus.  Finally, He stood up and said, "All right, stone her.  But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones."  Then, He resumed writing on the ground.

Horror must have struck this woman’s heart as she heard the Lord initially say, "All right, stone her."  In desperation she must have thought, "If only I had not done that."  However, we can imagine the relief that flooded her soul when she then heard, "But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones."

One by one, the accusers walked away and soon it was only Jesus and the woman left in the middle of the crowd.  Broken and publicly humiliated, we can envision the woman weeping as the judging eyes of the crowd bore down upon her.

"Where are your accusers?"  Jesus asked the broken woman.  "Didn’t even one of them condemn you?"

"No, Lord."

Filled with compassion, Jesus then said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."

The only person fully qualified to hurl a stone at this woman was Christ, and yet He is the one who offered compassion instead of condemnation.  You see, Jesus told us very plainly that His intent for coming into this world was never to condemn or to accuse—though He had every right to do so.  Instead, He came to bring compassion, mercy, and forgiveness.

As I think about this poor minister who was recently "caught in the act" I can’t help but realize how easily this could happen to any one of us.  How quickly the world is ready to condemn and ridicule—pointing the finger at this man’s brokenness to justify their own actions.  However, Jesus offers no condemnation.  Just like the woman caught in adultery, there will come a time when the media hoopla will die down, the accusers will begin to back away, and this minister will be left with only Jesus.  I have no doubt that Jesus will speak the same grace and compassion into this man’s life that He spoke into the life of the woman caught in adultery.

Far too often we allow shame to keep us in hiding—afraid to reach out and receive the healing that Jesus longs to bring into our lives.  It could be that this minister was afraid of exposure and public humiliation, so he kept quiet—until finally his brokenness took control.  Perhaps you find yourself dealing with some area of secret sin, but fear has caused you to keep this burden to yourself and it aches within you.  My friend, Jesus has shown us time and time again that He is never anxious to condemn; only to love, heal, and restore.  If you find yourself dealing with a private sin, the time to bring it to Christ is now.  The Bible tells us, "If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong." (1 John 1:9)  Don’t wait until you find yourself consumed and out of control in brokenness.  Reach out to Christ now and let Him begin healing the broken areas within.

Heavenly Father,

For far too long I have carried the weight of this secret sin.  I have remained hidden behind a wall of shame, afraid to confess and deal with this sin for fear of exposure and humiliation.  Lord, I know You are kind and compassionate and I know that You want to bring healing to the innermost parts of my being.  I confess this sin to You and I ask You to forgive me and to cleanse me as Your Word says You will.  Thank You that, though You have the right to, You do not condemn me.  I rest in Your mercy and compassion.
In Christ’s Name I pray,
Amen.

My friend, it is never too late to call out to Christ and experience His tremendous grace and compassion.  If you find yourself trapped in regret and anguish over past mistakes, my hope is that you will reach out to the One known for His ability to transform even the darkest predicaments and allow Him to bring healing and restoration to your life.  Choosing to call out to Him is one decision you won’t later regret.

Copyright ©2006, Kevin W. Dickson. All rights reserved.

www.broken-chains.com

Article Source: Christian Articles Network

Article Summary:

We've all done things that we later wished we could somehow go back and undo.  Unfortunately, we can't undo what's already happened; however, making even the biggest mistake doesn't leave us without hope.  Christ's mercy and compassion are readily available to us--even when we've fallen.