Daily Devo
The Grace Exchange
By: Kelly Russell
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
The bible story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:2-12) is a profound illustration of God’s heart for us. The woman is not named and there are no details of the affair. But this passage isn't just about an unnamed woman, it represents everyone who believes Jesus is their Redeemer.
There she stood, naked, ashamed, and fearful. Everyone knew the punishment for adultery was death by stoning. But when the religious leaders stooped down to collect rocks, the Rock kneeled and wrote in the sand. He rose and said, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first”, then bent down to write a second time. With no mention of what He wrote, one by one, the men walked away. Now she’s face-to-face with Jesus as He says, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” Though she was guilty as charged, this moment is why grace was born. Jesus offered forgiveness in exchange for her repentance.
When I read this story, I clearly see how I am that woman—we are that woman. God calls us to have a relationship with Him and we choose other things. Our hearts are made to receive the depth of affection only God gives, yet we are promiscuous in our thoughts and actions. Time and time again, we have opportunities to be reconciled to the One who died for us. Sadly, we allow the world, the flesh, and the devil to seduce us away from purity and into unfaithfulness. Interestingly, James calls all of us adulterous, and he wrote, "anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God" (James 4:4). Our salvation is based on Jesus' sacrifice. Because Jesus loved us first, He must remain our first love. When we get that out of order our life will show it.
On the cross, Jesus hung, naked, bearing the sin and shame of all mankind. He knew taking on our punishment was God’s will. While they shouted insults He prayed, “Father, forgive them.” When we were most unworthy God’s lovingkindness sought us, exchanging our darkness for light; our striving for peace; our burdens for blessings; our shackles for freedom; our infidelity for intimacy. We move from having a hopeless end to an endless hope, all because of God’s g-r-a-c-e exchange. Hallelujah!
Make it your daily prayer to ask the Lord to give you a heart of faithfulness to Him, ‘til death do you part.
Read: Psalm 51:10, 1 John 2:15-16, Isaiah 54:5