Week 31 Day 4
Finding God in the Mysteries of every day
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Exodus 20:14 “You shall not commit adultery.
The problem of the adulterous heart has plagued humankind from the beginning. The guilt associated with this sin has led people to respond in some of the most hideous and un-Christ like misrepresentations of God’s will imaginable. At one and the same time society has nodded and winked their way to acceptance of serial infidelity and promiscuity as being the norm for human interaction. Nature gives us no hint to help us here. Some species mate for life, others form no lasting relationships.
As many translation footnotes will inform us the story found only in John 8:1-11 does not appear in the earliest papyri and fragments of the Gospel we like and are captivated by the portrayal of Jesus’ well considered response in this text. The accusers are undone, the woman is forgiven, and her life re-directed. The Scribes who sought only to confound Jesus with an either or choice went away unhappy and unsuccessful. How perfect.
Coming to grips with the reality of adultery in this day and age may seem quaint to the supposedly more “cosmopolitan” ethos, but somewhere in the deepest recesses of our hearts is a longing for more than just momentary intimacy. Lifelong companionship is what we really desire. The relationship we have with Jesus demonstrates that companionship. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) The relationship between a man and a woman in God’s equation is designed to be a reflection of the love and constancy of the Lord Jesus. Sadly, sin binds our hearts and bodies and leads us astray so that even without the adulterous act itself the impulse can stain our hearts forever.
The good news is this. There is a remedy. When we come to the Lord seeking His forgiveness, and determine within our own will to repent, that is to turn away from the sin we have committed, and to walk in obedience to His will, then His Holy Spirit will “cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John, 1:19)
Larry M Lawrence- Mysteries 