The next song in our discussion on music is “Drop Your Stone” by Chris August. My introduction to Chris August was early 2012. I was listening to the Christian radio station of my area at the time, and the song “Starry Night” was playing. As I pondered the message, that song became a turning point for me. I decided to truly give my life back to Jesus Christ and allow Him to mold me into the person He wanted me to become through the challenges I was facing.
Before we proceed, take a moment to read about Chris August here. He had the opportunity to work with Ryan Cabrera and Ashlee Simpson, but in the midst of it all, Chris could not help turning back to what he loved. I am truly grateful that he followed the tugs on his heart to return to Christian music. Definitely take some time to listen to all his Christian albums.
“Drop Your Stone” reminds me of the New Testament story of the woman taken in adultery. Let’s review the verses first.
John 8:1-11,15
1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
To condemn in this context means to judge or be judged guilty of God. It is interesting that verse fifteen reiterates that Christ does not judge us. God is the ultimate judge. Christ is our Mediator, Redeemer, and Savior. Christ did not excuse the woman from her sins, but he encouraged her to discontinue her old ways and not repeat the sin. She still had to repent from her transgressions before she could be forgiven, but Christ was allowing her to see that He was not like the people around her. He was merciful. He was caring. He was going to atone for the very sins that she had been charged she should be stoned for, but instead, he quieted the crowd by reminding them that they were also sinners.
It is true that the law of Moses called for the harsh consequence of death if individuals committed adultery: “And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death” (Leviticus 20:10). However, Jesus Christ came to make away with the old and bring the higher law in its stead, which the Jewish leaders could not accept. It had been prophesied of many years prior to Christ’s ministry, but ended up being glossed over by the leadership. In Jeremiah 31: 31-33 we read:
31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord:
33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Now, please watch the lyric video for “Drop Your Stone” here. What were your thoughts as you listened to the song and read the lyrics? Did you think of a specific person in each scenario Chris presented in the verses? Unfortunately, I did. We all know people in those categories, and I don’t know about you, but I have pointed my finger at them several times. And I regret it. I can think back on the moments that others judged me for my actions and poor choices. I can remember how embarrassed I felt and how I couldn’t look them in the face. I also felt that everyone else around me was doing the same, even if it was only a few of them. Notwithstanding those memories, how could I possibly turn around and do the same to those I care about or even complete strangers?
If Jesus Christ deems us worthy to uphold the new law, what are we waiting for? We are capable of dropping our stones and reach out our hands in fellowship. Instead of wasting our time judging others, why not look for ways to serve them? Befriend them. Help them learn of Jesus. Show them that change is possible or that what they’re going through is made less burdensome when they rely on Christ’s help. I challenge you to change your thoughts little by little. It is not going to happen overnight. But if you catch yourself about to judge and cast your stone at someone, stop. Pray for that individual instead. Ask Heavenly Father to help you see that person as He sees him or her. The more love we extend to others, the more we will see God’s mercy in our lives. Please share your thoughts and encourage each other by commenting below. I look forward to hearing from you.
If you missed the first post of this series, you can read it by clicking on the link below: