"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" - Hebrews 4:16 (NIV). 

The case is familiar. A woman is caught red handed in an act of prostitution by a mob of men. She is hurried to a teacher of religious law called Jesus. The mob knows it has an iron clad case and if this is a true prophet from God once her indiscretions are bared open he will shriek and order her right to the gallows. But then something else happens.

"In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” (John 8:5), the crowd incites Jesus to finish her off.

To their astonishment Jesus already aware of their intentions, simply, "straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her" (vv 8). Much as they were enraged the accusers were not blameless either. One by one they picked up and elbowed themselves out, until Jesus was left with only the woman. All scattered, "Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin" (vv 11).

Something had happened. The woman's accusers had stormed Jesus with self righteous indignation expecting condemnation. Yet from the Lord Jesus this sinful woman met mercy! Oh boy, they must have been dissapointed.

So, here is the point. Before men we all can stand accused; the crowds ready and eager to execute us. But before Lord Jesus we find the throne of mercy. For "The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love" (Psalm 103:8).

Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, to you who is merciful I come to you assured of the love of God which surpasses human understanding, this I pray in Jesus's name!