Stoned

A state representative is in the headlines this week as the Legislature debates booting him after a string of arrests for driving under the influence. As this story heated up he was arrested again for operating while intoxicated--the 3rd time this year. The Governor has weighed in, talk show hosts are all over this, and the story remains a hot topic.

This guy is 40, married, the father of 3---and is in a spiral. Yes, he's a danger to others while recklessly driving under a deadly combination of alcohol and prescription drugs. Yes, he has let his constituents down and cast shame on the office. For that, he needs to pay the price via the legal system and possibly by losing his position in government. He did the crime and he needs to do the time.

This guy is a wreck. We're watching him self-destruct and I can only pray that he comes to the end of his disobedience and admits he has a huge problem that he will never be able to overcome without help that comes from above. I pray that someone in his life get hold of him and be a friend who does more than buy a round or commiserate. This guy needs to hear about the only One who can fix this.

Why do I even care about this--especially since I choose to ignore most politics? Because I was this guy. I was hurtling down the tracks oblivious to everything but myself. My thing wasn't alcohol and drugs but my thing was just as destructive. My something took me within inches of destroying everything that should have been near and dear to me had I been clear-minded enough to notice.

So, I'm sensitive to people flaming out without at least being presented a way out. My pastor says it all the time, "that person needs a friend". No one is too far gone to be repaired and renewed. No one.

A crowd of Pharisees brought an adulterous woman to Jesus. The plan was to trip Him up and then stone her. What He said to them stopped them in their tracks--and it's one of the parts of the Bible quoted so often that even non-Christians know it.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Those who are yammering and calling for this guy's head--you'll get it--he's in a world of hurt and it's not going to get better until he gets a friend.

Put down the stone and walk away.