(Is.43:16-21; Ps.126:1-6; Phil.3:8-14; Jn.8:1-11) "Forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal." In times past the Lord opened "a way in the sea" for the Israelites to pass through, while Pharoah's army He "snuffed out and quenched like a wick." Afterward, He "brought back the captives of Zion" from the lands to which they had been scattered to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. "Great things" the Lord has done for His people, but through the prophet Isaiah He enjoins all to "remember not the events of the past," to "consider not" these mighty and wondrous deeds. For as marvelous as His deeds once were, now He proclaims, "See, I am doing something new!" And indeed, something new is in our midst. We see perfect evidence of this surpassing work in the apostle Paul, who has "accepted the loss of all things" – including any righteousness this former Pharisee may have had by the law – that he may "gain Christ and be found in Him," for he knew that all good things are to be found in Jesus the Lord. And now he is but "depending on faith to know Him and the power of His resurrection." Here is the new thing which is done: the only Son has died and been raised from the grave, never to die again. And so Paul seeks to share "of His sufferings," to be "conformed to His death," that he too "may attain the resurrection from the dead." Nothing else is worth our time or our breath in this world; only this "one thing" calls us upward to God. And see how this new thing has affected the adulterous woman, the sinner who represents us all. She is brought forward in all her abomination, deserving death for the act she has knowingly committed… yet she leaves Christ's presence an entirely free woman. Free not merely to go as she pleases, but free from the sin which should have spelled her condemnation. Here is the new thing as it affects every human soul: the forgiveness of our sins. And what joy this should bring us! For if Jesus who is to judge the heart of all sentient beings does not condemn us, who shall stand with stone in hand to punish our transgression? But heed, my brother, my sister, the Lord's due warning, if you would truly know the grace of this new thing – "from now on do not sin anymore" – or what is new and bringing refreshment will become old and stale very soon. Forward we must strive all the days of our lives, leaving well behind our sins; only in heaven will we take full hold of Him who has taken possession of us by His mercy. Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: "Cleansing" from Cleansing Human Frailty, fourth album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, cleanse us of our sin and draw us into your kingdom. YHWH, great things you have done for us, and so we should announce your praise. For you have put behind us all our sins and call us upward now to you in your Son. There seemed no way through this desert, but like torrents of water in the wasteland you have poured your grace upon us; and we are set free, and we escape judgment… and we come running now to you. Something new you indeed accomplish in our midst, something greater than the parting of the Red Sea or the drowning of Pharaoh's army. For then you saved your people from certain death, yes, as well as from slavery; but they would soon die anyway, as do all who travel here. But now it is eternal condemnation from which we are redeemed. Now everlasting life we strain toward as we embrace Jesus' holy Cross. O LORD, let us but know the grace come to us in your Son! Thank you for your forgiveness.