“In Christ Alone,” The Newsboys
Devotion
When a woman caught in adultery was thrown down before Jesus to be judged, Jesus got down on his knees and wrote in the dirt. Jesus then looked up at the angry crowd and said, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” Jesus went back to writing. The stone-throwers skulked, away leaving the woman with Christ alone.
Much has been made of what Jesus might have been writing to induce the stone-throwers to leave. But maybe that’s not the issue. Was Jesus possibly getting down on the ground with the woman to form a human shield between her and the stone-throwers? Was Jesus essentially saying, “Go ahead a throw the stone, but you will have to hit me first”?
Jesus takes upon himself the stones of judgment thrown our way. And through Jesus’ willingness to take on the punishment we deserve, the voices of shame are sent skulking away!
Go to http://newsboys.com/portal/discography/discography.asp?albumid=3258 [In Christ Alone] for lyrics
Prayer
Precious Lord Jesus, thanks for coming down to us amidst the dirt of our shame and for taking upon yourself the stones of judgment that I so readily deserve. Thanks for protecting me, staying close to me and giving my life a new beginning this day. In your blessed name I pray. Amen.