The 99% (Occupy Jesus Street)

"'Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said, 'I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.'" (John 8:3-11)

We're confused. (Like the 99% crowd that was condemning the 1% woman in the above story.) We can't see straight. That's why Jesus came. Everything must be filtered through and weighed against the counsel of Scripture.

Christ's way of doing things is different than ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9) You see, we're always demanding our rights (especially in America). We're always wanting what's coming to us. (Oh, really?) We want justice! And we're gonna get it. Sometimes the church falls into the trap and backs our selfishness. (Matthew 24:24)

But Jesus never demanded His rights. Not once. He gave Himself over to God's plan and will. (Luke 22:42) If that meant He was to be taken advantage of, He gave Himself to it. (Matthew 5:39) That's hard for some "Christ followers" to get their minds around. (They're not really following Christ?)

To the degree that we die to self (Mark 8:34-35) will be to the same degree that we'll see clearly enough to deal with injustice. (Luke 23:34)

"'Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?'" (Matthew 7:3)

"'But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.'" (Romans 12:20)

"Then Peter came and said to Him, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'" (Matthew 18:21-22)

You might also be interested in:

• The "Big Three"
• Unconditional Love