"I've Got It Covered"

By Gobel Brockman

I was thinking about the story in John 8 about the woman caught in adultery. I'm sure most of you know the story: Jesus was teaching in the temple, and the Pharisees interrupt Him with this woman, trying to 'catch Him' in something so they can turn Him over to the authorities. (Which is all religion does - interrupt Him. But that's another story for another time.) They said, "This woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The Law says she should be stoned - what do YOU say?" In my mind I can see the arrogance in their eyes - 'We've got Him now!'

I love His response. He says nothing. He stoops down and writes on the ground with His finger. I remember another instance where God wrote with His finger - when He wrote the Law on two tablets while on the mountain with Moses. It's like He was saying, "You clowns want to debate the Law with ME? I'm the One Who GAVE you the Law!" They kept pressing Him, so He finally said, "Let the one without sin cast the first stone." Silence. Then, one by one, they all walk away. Jesus is left alone with the woman. He asked if anyone had condemned her. No one had. He said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."

Which leads to a problem. The Pharisees were right about one thing. The Law DID call for death for the sin of adultery. So how could Jesus let her go? For me, it's simple. Jesus knew why He was here, and what He was about to go through. When He said, "Neither do I condemn you..." I think He was saying, "Yes, your sin calls for death. But don't worry, I've got it covered."

If you're struggling with sin, I don't condemn you. I won't be casting any stones in your direction. What I do want to do is point you in His direction. There's healing, hope, and forgiveness there.

Why? He's got it covered.

What happens AFTER Easter?

By Gobel Brockman


I remember the Sunday before 9/11. Just another normal church service in America. We sang a few songs, shook a few hands, heard a message, and went home. Then Tuesday came and changed this country. But I mention it because the following Sunday, attendance was up over 50% from the previous Sunday at our church. But it didn't last very long. Soon, the threat seemed to subside, and people went back to their routines - which didn't include God.

The thing is, that same thing happens every Easter. At the church we presently attend, our attendance was probably 75% over what we normally have. I dare say it won't be as high today. My point? I just find it interesting that we always seem to put God in the back of our minds until we need Him, then wonder why He never seems near. I'm not condemning anyone; I'm just as guilty. Have many times have we prayed that famous prayer: "God, if You'll do this, I'll never bother You again..." But God isn't looking for that kind of relationship with us. He won't settle for it either. There's a Scripture that I think about often where Jesus said, "If you love father and mother more than Me you're not worthy of Me. If you love son or daughter more than Me you're not worthy of Me." Those are strong words. People who think following Jesus is easy should read that over and over until it sinks in.

I guess what I'm trying to say this week is simply this: those who show up to church on Easter, Christmas, and national emergencies need to know that God isn't just interested in your church attendance. He wants a totally surrendered, committed YOU. He doesn't just call us to drag ourselves out of bed, go to church, and keep a few rules through the week. He calls us to 'take up your cross and follow Me."

That's going to take more than your visit to church last Sunday.

If Jesus Was Still Dead...

By Gobel Brockman



I would guess that most of you know who Napoleon Bonaparte was. (If not, it's time to join the wonderful world of Google.) In 1813, the Coalition defeated his forces at Leipzig; the following year the Coalition invaded France, forced Napoleon to abdicate and exiled him to the island of Elba. I mention this because I once read that during this exile, someone went to interview him. In the course of the interview, Napoleon was asked, 'Do you believe Jesus Christ rose from the dead?' It's said that he stood silent for a moment looking out at the coastline, then turned to the man and said, 'Yes, I do, and I'll tell you why. You can say his name to kings and princes and they will immediately know that THEY are in the presence of royalty. You can say his name to peasants and see their eyes fill with hope.' Then he paused, and said, 'Yes, Jesus is alive. Dead men don't command that much respect.'

I've mentioned many times that I believe we're well on our way in this country that the name of Jesus will be an instant source of controversy. Actually, we're already there. Some see this as a problem; I see it as a sign that Jesus is alive. How much sense would it make for a soldier to keep firing after he's already taken out his enemy? Would a boxer continue punching his opponent after he's been declared 'knocked out?' You don't fight a defeated enemy. So why do people still fight Christianity? Why do atheists spend so much time fighting against a God they say they don't believe in? Why do government officials try to take His name out of every aspect of our lives that they can?

Simple - dead men don't command that much respect. And that's what we as Christians celebrate today. Jesus WAS dead for three days. He's NOW alive. And He's alive forevermore. And at your invitation, He will live in your heart.

HAPPY EASTER!