Post by Betty on May 24, 2005 5:17:42 GMT -5
Title: The Easiest Wrong to Correct
Author: Woodrow Kroll
Tony Beckett
1 Chronicles 19-21, John 8:1-27
Key Verse: John 8:7
The easiest wrongs to identify and correct are
those of others. By nature we are both
faultfinders and fault avoiders. We can see the
errors of others much more easily than our own
and manage to expect change from them while
finding excuses for ourselves.
When the Pharisees brought an immoral woman
before Jesus, their intent was to pin Him on the
horns of a dilemma. How could He, a friend of
sinners, condemn her? How could He, a righteous
man, fail to keep the law? Their focus was on
Jesus as they not only set but also sprung their
trap.
Ever notice that the man involved in this act of
adultery was not brought before Jesus? Perhaps
the adultery itself was part of the setting of
the trap and he was part of the plot, providing
an opportunity to catch a woman in the act.
Then the unexpected occurred. Instead of
answering their question, Jesus pinned the
Pharisees with His statement, "If any one of you
is without sin, let him be the first to throw a
stone at her" (v. 7).
No stones were thrown. Their error was exposed.
The faultfinders could not avoid their own
faults. It is interesting that the first to leave
were the older ones, men who knew there was no
use denying their own sins.
Seeing the wrong in others is easy; seeing the
wrong in ourselves is imperative. There are times
when we confront others biblically regarding
their sins. But we must always confront ourselves
as well.
The psalmist prayed, "Search me, O God, and know
my heart: test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead
me in the way everlasting" (Ps. 139:23-24). Pray
that prayer now and often-especially when you are
finding fault in others.
____________________________________________________________
Author: Woodrow Kroll
Tony Beckett
1 Chronicles 19-21, John 8:1-27
Key Verse: John 8:7
The easiest wrongs to identify and correct are
those of others. By nature we are both
faultfinders and fault avoiders. We can see the
errors of others much more easily than our own
and manage to expect change from them while
finding excuses for ourselves.
When the Pharisees brought an immoral woman
before Jesus, their intent was to pin Him on the
horns of a dilemma. How could He, a friend of
sinners, condemn her? How could He, a righteous
man, fail to keep the law? Their focus was on
Jesus as they not only set but also sprung their
trap.
Ever notice that the man involved in this act of
adultery was not brought before Jesus? Perhaps
the adultery itself was part of the setting of
the trap and he was part of the plot, providing
an opportunity to catch a woman in the act.
Then the unexpected occurred. Instead of
answering their question, Jesus pinned the
Pharisees with His statement, "If any one of you
is without sin, let him be the first to throw a
stone at her" (v. 7).
No stones were thrown. Their error was exposed.
The faultfinders could not avoid their own
faults. It is interesting that the first to leave
were the older ones, men who knew there was no
use denying their own sins.
Seeing the wrong in others is easy; seeing the
wrong in ourselves is imperative. There are times
when we confront others biblically regarding
their sins. But we must always confront ourselves
as well.
The psalmist prayed, "Search me, O God, and know
my heart: test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead
me in the way everlasting" (Ps. 139:23-24). Pray
that prayer now and often-especially when you are
finding fault in others.
____________________________________________________________
