First, Look Within

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“First, Look Within” by Kirk Hunt

This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

John 8:6-7 KJV

The scribes and Pharisees wanted justice against the adulterous woman of verse 3. As always Jesus came to save sinners, not slay them. Still, these men callously called for “justice.”

Scripture is silent regarding what Jesus wrote in the dust of the Temple. One popular guess is that Jesus began writing out the sins of the accusers. It’s not too surprising to see a prosecutor in violation of the Law they enforce.

Certainly, Jesus saw through the staged theater to their willful and disobedient motivations. Then, as now, the ends can not justify the means. Real justice can only be achieved when men and women do the right thing and for the right reasons.

Jesus exposed their inconsistencies and hypocrisy elegantly. He asked the scribes and Pharisees to enforce the entire Law. Even the provision that the accusers themselves be without sin.

Too often, we call out for judgment and justice against others. Justice starts within and demands we judge ourselves first. Revival and justice always starts among God’s people, then spreads.

Think: If I want justice and purity in the world, I must first be just and pure.

Pray: “Lord, help me lead life in Your Way.”

Copyright © March 2009, Kirk Hunt

Hope In The Savior

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“Hope In The Savior” by Kirk Hunt

They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

John 8:4-5 KJV

To the Pharisees, she was disposable. A human life of no worth or consequence. Her life and soul were a trifle to be cast away at their whim. Cold and callous hearts sought to destroy two lives with their charges.

To Jesus, she was precious. He had come specifically to save her. Her life and soul were so valuable to Him that he surrendered his place in eternity to preserve her.

Make no mistake, her sin and guilt were a garish and offensive spectacle before Him. Still, in the very same moment, His love for her exceeded all boundaries and measures. He responded to her situation with loving grace and tender mercy.

Then, as now, Jesus loves sinners just like you and I. His love for you exceeds all boundaries and measures. Your accusers want to hurl stones and condemnation. Your Savior wants to lavish you with grace and mercy.

He loves you as you are. Right where you are. Re-enthroned in eternity, Jesus waits specifically for you. All you have to lose are your guilt and sin.

Think: God loves sinners. Even me.

Pray: “Lord, lead me to restoration in You.”

Copyright © March 2009, Kirk Hunt

Hope In The Darkness

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“Hope In The Darkness” by Kirk Hunt

And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

Mark 10:46-47 KJV

In the Israel of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the options of a blind man were limited at best. Without the ability to see the world around him, begging served as Bartimaeus’ only real option for survival. Likely for years, Bartimaeus had existed solely on the occasional coin that clanked into his cup.

The years of humiliation and abasement should have broken him. The darkness should have swallowed his heart and spirit. Instead, Bartimaeus harbored hope in his soul.

What should have died, endured. The facts and data of his life should have strangled his aspirations. Instead, Bartimaeus nurtured his dreams and expectations in the darkness.

As Jesus came near, Bartimaeus responded from the depths of his soul. He bellowed for mercy. He screamed for deliverance.

Perhaps your circumstances seem dark. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in that condition. Are you ready for mercy? Are you prepared for deliverance?

Jesus is near. Cry out to Him from your heart . Prove to Him, and yourself, that your hope endures.

Think: Keep your hope in Jesus.

Pray: “Lord, I choose to to put my hope in you.”

Copyright © March 2009, Kirk Hunt

Shelter From The Storm

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“Shelter From The Storm” by Kirk Hunt

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock

Matthew 7:24-25 KJV

In my mind’s eye, I pray about the storm raging outside. When I finish my prayer, with a loud “amen,” it’s still raining. I feel the concussion of thunderclaps in my bones. The house groans and creaks from the fury of the wind.

I wring my hands and fret. My thoughts go to my neighbor across the way. His house went up so much faster than mine. His home has features and advantages mine lacks. Building on the Rock of Jesus has cost me time and money I could have used for other things.

I barely hear the knock over the violent pelt of rain. Grumbling that anyone is out in this storm, I go to the door. My neighbor and his family huddle and shiver on my porch.

Lightning flashes reveal the ruin that was his home. Built on the sand of human wisdom, their house stood no chance against the storm. My simpler, humbler home is now a sanctuary from the chaos outside.

The storm outside still rages, but I no longer mind as much. My hands are suddenly busy, ministering to the spiritually homeless. The sure foundation of my house has proven itself and Him.

Think: Obedience to God is its own reward.

Pray: “Lord, teach me the benefits of obeying Your Word.”

Copyright © March 2009, Kirk Hunt

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Seek God

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“Seek God” by Kirk Hunt

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Isaiah 55:6-7 KJV

It is right and good that Christians emphasize God’s love for men and women. It is only through God’s grace and mercy that anyone approaches salvation. Still, there is more to the story.

God is also righteousness. His judgment is without error. His justice cannot be appealed.

It is a mistake to think that judgment and righteousness can, or should, be delayed indefinitely. Sooner or later, righteousness silences grace. Eventually, justice pushes past mercy.

While His Presence is near, seek Him. While His Voice speaks, listen. Your opportunity may not come again quickly, if at all.

God pardons us. God embraces the worst of sinners, including you and I. It is risky and foolish to put off God for another day.

Mercy cannot out-wrestle judgment forever. Grace cannot push off justice indefinitely. Sooner or later, God’s love contends with God’s righteousness.

Seek God. Today. Don’t take His Presence for granted.

Think: Seek God now. Encourage others to seek God now.

Pray: “Lord, help me seek You here and now.”

Copyright © March 2009, Kirk Hunt