note to self: stop throwing stones

On Monday, we gathered with some friends for a bible study and looked at John 8. It contains the well known statement ‘the truth shall set you free’, which creates a snow balling conversation and angers those around Jesus to the point of them picking up stones to throw at him with a desire to kill him.

This passage has much to grab our attention. And yesterday, I was grabbed by the fact that before all of this, the story begins with Jesus being surrounded by those who believe in him. Every one else has left, and Jesus is left with those who believe him. It is those who believe in him that get angry at him, who pick up rocks to hurt him. It bewildered me until this morning.

I found myself asking, ‘how often do I lift my one hand to say I believe, whilst the other stoops down to pick up rocks?’ Sometimes I want to believe on my terms, on a truth that suits me, on a calling that I find attractive. Every time I choose my way I pick up rocks. Every time I intercept God’s will with my ideas and wishful dreams I’m in reality scrambling for stones.

There's lots more to say / think / confess about it. For instance it's made me think of the scripture where those folks will say to the Lord 'Lord we did these works and miracles in your name', but he will reply 'I never knew you'. Good deeds aren't enough, even if we run a successful ministry that heals and saves people, if it's not what God wanted us to do, then we're missing out, we end up throwing stones at what could have been.

But one thing's for sure, we shouldn't get too hung up on where we miss the mark or stumble along, we just have get up again quickly, and follow Him. We don't become holy by staring at ourselves, dirty as we are. I'm sure one of the biggest hindrances to living the authentic Christ-life is our wallowing and self doubt...Anyway.

Since Monday, I've found the words of this hymn a wonderful prayer of response...you may like to pray it too.


Amidst the sorrows of the way
Lord Jesus, teach my soul to pray
Let me taste Thy special grace
And run to Christ, my hiding place

You know the vileness of my heart
So prone to act the rebel's part
And when You veil Your lovely face
How can I find a hiding place

Lord, guide my wandering feet
Draw me to Thy mercy seat
I've nought to trust but sovereign grace
Thou only art my hiding place

How unstable is my heart
Sometimes I take the tempter's part
And slight the tokens of Thy grace
And seem to want no hiding place

But when Thy spirit shines within
Makes me feel the plague of sin
And how I long to see Thy face
'Tis then I want a hiding place

Lord Jesus, shine and then I can
Feel sweetness in salvation's plan
And as a sinner plead for grace
Christ, the sinner's hiding place
And as a sinner plead for grace
Christ, the sinner's hiding place
(Jars of Clay)