- Achan brought sin into the camp, and after men were killed because of it, Achan was stoned to death.
- Miriam became leprous when she spoke against the man of God – the meekest man in all the earth besides Jesus.
- Gehazi became leprous when he coveted the riches Naaman offered Elisha-
- Absalom was hung by his hair and shot in the heart for turning the kingdom away from God’s anointed.
Then came the woman accused of adultery… The crowd had gathered to stone her, but Jesus wrote in the sand and spoke of mercy. He who had no sin should cast the first stone. When all walked away and the woman was left alone, Jesus said “Neither do I condemn thee.”
Jesus did not say “Neither do I condemn thee, go continue in your sin. You don’t have to change.” Forgiveness did not mean freedom to continue in the wrong. Jesus looked at her and said, “Neither do I condemn thee. Go and sin no more.”
Forgiveness and mercy were not a license to sin. Forgiveness and mercy gave freedom for a complete turn around – they gave freedom to do right. Sin no longer has to bind you, for when you put it under the blood, it loses its power and you are free from its sentence.
Which one are you? Achan who hid? Miriam who would speak against God’s servants? Covetous like Gehazi and never satisfied?
Or do you choose to listen to the words of Jesus, “Go and sin no more”?
Confess. Forsake. Serve Christ. Live in victory.
Remember who you were. Remember who you are now. Remember who you can be through Him.
No matter what your background. No matter what your upbringing. No matter your degree.
You are forgiven. You are loved. You are chosen. You are precious.
