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We played together: my brothers, their best friend John, and then there was me. I kept up with them even though I was much younger. Things changed, though. I grew to love John. He said we were too close. Like brother and sister close, so what does he do? He marries my best friend. He broke my heart that day. Tore it to shreds. I swore I would never love another. Not ever.
Right up to then, I did everything right. I followed every letter of the law, as my parents taught me, but I turned my back on it the moment John turned his back on me. That downward spiral caused hatred to build inside me and my father cast me out, as he should have. He had no choice.
I found where the prostitutes lived. What else do young girls do who are abandoned by their families? By their lovers? I got paid well because I took care of the men well. They appreciated me because there were no strings attached. I learned to squelch the hurt in my heart.
Then…my life changed…
He came to me. I recognized John after all these years. I was scared. Even though I had turned my back on the law, I knew the punishment that came with disobeying the law…the punishment for adultery. John promised me all was well. I asked about his wife. He said he didn’t love her anymore. He never loved her like he had loved me.
What could I do?
I looked into those dreamy brown eyes and fell into his arms. I allowed him to get lost in me. The old love, the love I had only for him, was aroused. Happiness swelled up in me. Joy, that I thought was lost, was found! I was alive. Maybe…God did care?
I was in the height of that joy, the very crest of my excitement…
I heard sounds. Suddenly, the curtains were ripped away. I didn’t know what was happening. John didn’t seem scared at all. Not really. He covered himself with the only blanket then ran off, but not with much urgency. It was as if he knew they were coming. I was set up… But why?
I kept my head down as I was dragged across the village, so hoping I wouldn’t see my parents. I’d already brought much shame to them. But news travels fast. Soon, everyone walked with us. If I wasn’t so scared, I’d have laughed.
I looked up just once and I caught my father’s eye. It felt like a slap in the face. Oh, how I have fallen! “God, what have I done? I am sorry. So very sorry.” I knew what the punishment was. I knew I had only minutes to live. Justice would soon be administered by the very hands that pushed me down the road.
We stopped in the garden where a man was talking to a crowd of people…I had heard of Him. His name was Jesus. He was so gentle and kind. He wouldn’t even look at my naked body. He averted his eyes onto the ground. While my accusers’ were busy deciding my fate, I couldn’t stop looking at Jesus.
I watched him as he drew into the dust. He was calm and He didn’t appear to be mad at me. He was really irritated with the men though.
Honestly, I don’t even know what was said; He intrigued me so. I knew in my very being He was special, that He may have even been the Messiah we were waiting for. I knew this man, Jesus, would be fair. What would be, would be. I was guilty, after all.
Jesus got up and walked over to me. I thought maybe the punishment was to start. Instead, He covered me with his robe and looked me in the eyes. “Where has everyone gone? Has anyone condemned you?”
It was then I looked around, amazed. “No…no one, Sir.” All the learned men were gone. Where did they go? What happened? I missed something.
“I won’t condemn you either. Go! And don’t sin anymore.” I realized at that very moment I had just experienced mercy and grace. I was moments away from death by stoning, but instead, I was given an opportunity to change.
Human man’s love nearly caused my death, but the Messiah saved me! There is no question in my mind whose love I truly want to live for. Oh, how He loves me!
Accept Jesus as Your Savior Right Now and be Certain of Eternal Life.
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