jesus “the author” (acts 3:15)
Jesus “bent down and wrote on the ground.” —John 8:8
Sinners are called to repent and then to “give no thought to what lies behind” (Phil 3:13). Victims are likewise called to not live in the past and to shake off the dust from any rejections (see Mt 10:14). How is this just? It’s just since Jesus paid the price for both sinners and victims. Jesus makes it right; He makes all things new (Is 43:19; Rv 21:5).
Jesus forgave the woman caught in the act of adultery (Jn 8:4, 11). Yet how can a marriage which suffers the trauma of adultery be made new? It seems Jesus is doing nothing for the victimized husband of the woman; He just writes in the dust (Jn 8:6, 8). Yet Jesus “remembers that we are dust” (Ps 103:14), and He writes something new in each life to transform both sinner and victim. He transforms dust into good, fruitful soil, and makes new life where there was destruction and desolation (see Is 43:20).
Now the issue becomes, will we accept His re-writing? Will we accept His action to renew all things His way rather than our way? Will we accept Jesus’ call to forgive? Will we choose His mercy rather than our vindication? Can we reappraise our plans as rubbish? (Phil 3:8) Will we believe that Jesus is at work when it appears He is callous to our suffering, allowing injustice, and seemingly doing nothing?
God says, “See, I am doing something new!...Do you not perceive it?” (Is 43:19) Jesus is interacting with our fallen, hurting world. He remembers we are dust, and so He is bending down and writing His Good News on the dust of our life.
Prayer: Jesus, I give You permission to write the remaining chapters of my life any way You wish.
Promise: “Nor do I condemn you. You may go. But from now on, avoid this sin.” —Jn 8:11
Praise: Praise Jesus, our Life, Love, and risen Lord God. Alleluia!
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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