The Harlot - adulterer

The harlot knew the law and she knew that she was guilty – guilty of having sex with a man who was not her husband. 

“I’m guilty, guilty, an adulterer, and I know, I know ...”

So God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27 (Complete Jewish Bible)

This is why a man is to leave his father and mother and stick with his wife, and they are to be one flesh – Genesis 2:24 (Complete Jewish Bible)

I believe it is in our masculinity and femininity that we image God.  Yet it is in this very place where we image our Father that the enemy most seeks to destroy us – the image bearers of a most holy God.  We should not be surprised then that it is with our sexuality, with our body, that we are often tempted, deceived and sin. No one sin is worse than any other.  However sexual sin often leaves a deeper scar upon our heart because our sexuality is at the core of who we are – created male and female, made in the image of God.

The harlot knew the law.  She knew she was guilty.  She knew that those around condemned her.  But how did Jesus respond?  He offered her forgiveness, grace and compassion and instead told her to go now and leave her life of sin.

Jesus has offered me that same grace and compassion when I have sinned.  He has forgiven me, lifted that condemnation off me and set me free to walk again.  Is that something you need too?  If so, then come to Overflow on Sunday night and avail yourself of that same grace and forgiveness that Jesus freely offers you. 

Photo taken by Stan Wiechers on 26 April 2007