Chances: A 7-Day Devotional by Evan CraftSample

Shame is a powerful force in our lives. It sticks to our souls and reminds us of our past failures. It is the residue of our sin that is impossible to clean without the redemptive power of Jesus. John 8 tells the story of Jesus being confronted by Pharisees, experts of the law, and they try to use a woman as a trap for Jesus. They expose her sin and display her shame for all to see as they are about to end her life as punishment for her unrighteousness. It’s a dramatic scene that normally ends up a tragedy. But Jesus is there and it changes everything. He didn’t make a defense as in a courtroom or use violence to scare off the aggressors. He calmly kneels down and begins to write in the dust. Nobody knows exactly what He wrote but it stopped the Pharisees right in their tracks. Jesus finally speaks, “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” As they all begin to leave, Jesus asks the woman where her accusers are, but they have all left.

This woman was at her end, she crossed lines that couldn’t be uncrossed. Her sin and shame had condemned her to death with no defense. Until Jesus stepped in. The reality is, that we were destined for this position. To be judged before God. Jesus advocates on our behalf using His righteousness to plead our case. By his stripes, we have been healed.

I don’t know about you, but this feels like being freed from death row. All the cards are stacked against you and having a friend take your place. God gives us a new life, a new day, and a new chance to bring Him glory.