BIBLE READING: John 8:1-15
TEXT: Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin’ (John 8:10-11).
Both these situations are a mess. And there is no quick fix or simple solution. Whatever happens there is going to be pain and trouble. But there is no need to despair because Christ came to deliver us from our sins and he is there to help – just as he was to help the woman who was caught in adultery and was about to be punished.
There are several ways that people try to deal with this kind of situation. Some attempt to cover it up – that is really difficult and would be a mistake to even attempt. Others want to make light of the situation and treat it as a bit of a joke – which as I am sure you are aware it is anything but. Then there are those who attempt the quick fix.
The answer of the social worker was to have an abortion. But we know, and she knew, that abortion is the taking of a human life. So we went with her parent’s minister to speak to them. Rather than the condemnation she expected – instead they loved and supported her. Of course they were not happy about the situation, but neither were they going to abandon their daughter. Their response was very much the Christian one.
Perhaps not every parent will behave like that but whatever the case we have no right to take the life of the unborn child. The only real option each person has is to face up to the facts as they are, to come to terms with them and to make the best out of a bad situation. That will involve confession and repentance to God and to all who are involved. There will be hurt but there can also be healing.
If you are a Christian then clearly you have not been walking with the Lord. His teaching about sex before marriage is very clear and you have gone against that. But this is not the unforgivable sin. Don’t excuse it but don’t despair either. You will now have responsibility for another precious human life. You will need help and support – seek it from your family, church, school and other agencies.
If you are not a Christian then the most important thing is that you become one. Not only do you need forgiveness but also you need the support and help of Christ to face the life ahead. Like the woman in our text, if you are to go and ‘leave your life of sin’, you will need him to be with you.
I don’t know you, but even as I write I am praying for you … that you will know the Lord’s peace, forgiveness, healing and guidance as you face the future. God is able to turn even this ugly mess into something beautiful.
CONSIDER: What are the best ways to prevent us getting into these types of situations? How would you help a friend who was facing similar circumstances? Why do you think that people think abortion is a simple solution? What is wrong with abortion?
RECOMMENDED FURTHER READING: Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom – Tricia Goyer
PRAYER: Father in heaven, I confess that I have sinned. I can see my life is in such a mess, and because of that other people’s lives are messed up as well. I come to you seeking your forgiveness and asking you to renew me. To create a clean heart within me, and to grant me pure hands. Help me to serve and honour you as I face up to the reality of what I have done and grant that you would bring great good out of the mess I have created, in your name. Amen.
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