Underwood Unplugged

While it's been at least a month since I've posted here, I wonder if anyone checks this site anymore. Life and church and all my other commitments have apparently suffocated my ability to "UNPLUG" here on this site. I would love to keep updating thoughts here on this, and may do it even if nobody is listening or reading.

Yesterday, we gave a lot of thought to the issue of judgment.

In John 8, some teachers of the law find a woman "caught in the act of adultery" and bring her to Jesus for judgment. John tells us that they are setting a real trap for Jesus. If he tells them to let her go, they could claim that He rejects the law of Moses that says she must be put to death (Leviticus 20:10; Exodus 22:21). If he tells them to kill her, they could claim that Jesus rejects the judicial priority that only the Romans can enact capital punishment on someone.

Ultimately, John leads us to sympathize with the woman - as Jesus does when he says, "Neither do I condemn you."

I hate to break it to you... but... well....

You are that woman. I am that woman.

We are all sinners who deserve judgment. We have all fallen - and we DO fall - into sin and should be pronounced guilty.

And yet, Jesus forgives. Jesus restores. Jesus saves and does not condemn. Jesus brings hope. Jesus helps us change. Jesus shows us how to change. Jesus teaches us.

And he says things like, "Go and leave your life of sin."

He believes you can do it.

Many people feel helpless, pointless, hopeless in the quest to do right or stop doing wrong.

But Jesus believes, empowers, and releases.

Will you let Him keep doing that in your life?

Is anybody out there?