EMBARRASSING MOMENTS
The flashing lights of the police car drew my attention to a motorist
who had been pulled over for a traffic violation. As the officer, ticket book
in hand, walked back to his car, I could clearly see the embarrassed driver
sitting helplessly behind the wheel of her car. With her hands, she attempted
to block her face from the view of passersby—hoping to hide her identity. Her
actions were a reminder to me of how embarrassing it can be when we are exposed
by our choices and their consequences.
When a guilty woman was brought before Jesus and her immorality was
exposed, the crowd did more than just watch. They called for her condemnation,
but Jesus showed mercy. The only One with the right to judge sin responded to
her failure with compassion. After dispatching her accusers, “Jesus said to
her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more’” (John 8:11). His
compassion reminds us of His forgiving grace, and His command to her points to
His great desire that we live in the joy of that grace. Both elements show the
depth of Christ’s concern for us when we stumble and fall.
Even in our most embarrassing moments of failure, we can cry out to Him
and find that His grace is truly amazing.
God alone can supply the grace we need for each trial we face. (RBC)
