Precious Moments That Count For EternityVoorbeeld

Crown of Beauty

John chapter 8 tells the story of a woman caught in the act of adultery and brought to Jesus to be judged. The Pharisees reminded Jesus that the law condemned her to death by stoning, and waited for His response. As they kept demanding an answer, Jesus said, “Let any of you who is without sin, throw the first stone at her.” When the woman’s accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one until only Jesus was left with the woman. He then asked where her accusers were. She replied in the negative. Jesus’ response was that He also didn’t condemn her. He asked her to go and sin no more.
This is one of my favorite stories from the Bible. It’s so beautiful and sheds light on how much God loves us, in spite of our messiness! Crowds tried to accuse the woman but Jesus defended her. He took away her mourning and set her free. Surely, when she left Jesus, she was feeling lighter and unburdened.
That’s how Jesus deals with us. We may have had a miserable past. People may have condemned us to a poor future. But when we come to Him and abide in Him, He takes away every reason to mourn and instead gives us a crown of beauty for ashes. On the cross, Jesus took away every sin and misery we lived with, to make us a new creation. Today, He loves us and accepts us, in spite of our anger, lies, laziness, shame and guilt. And guess what, He wants to erase all that away and make all things new for us! Jesus’ work on the cross made us righteous and changed our destiny. So do not let your own thoughts and feelings steal your joy. Acknowledge His Love and He will definitely embrace you.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I thank You that Your love for me is not based on my past sins and mistakes; it is unconditional, unfailing and all encompassing. Amen.