woman taken in adultery
John 8
In the story “Animal Farm” we have a perfect illustration of how power corrupts the human mind. In Napoleon we have the dominant thinker and power user. He not only seizes power; he is prepared to use it for his own ends even though others are exploited in the process.
The animals, though cold, starving, and overworked, remain convinced through psychological conditioning that they are better off than they were when ruled by Mr. Jones. Squealer abuses the animals’ poor memories and invents numbers to show their improvement.
Boxer, the faithful workhorse continues working harder and harder, until he collapses while working on the windmill. Napoleon sends for a van to take Boxer to the veterinarian, explaining that better care can be given there. Benjamin the donkey, who “could read as well as any pig”, notices that the van belongs to “Alfred Simmonds, Horse Slaughterer and Glue Boiler”, and attempts to mount a rescue; but the animals’ attempts are futile. Squealer reports that the van was purchased by the hospital and the writing from the previous owner had not been repainted. He recounts a tale of Boxer’s death in the hands of the best medical care. Shortly after Boxer’s death, it is revealed that the pigs have purchased more whiskey.
The course of sin in each human heart and in our world is to be clearly seen. The Apostle James outlines it so well,
“ each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when it is accomplished, it brings forth death….”
James also knows the way out of this downward spiral. He says,
All sin must be put away…even the remains of sin in the life must be dealt with and in humility we must receive the word of the Gospel which is able to save our souls. He says that it is when we look into God’s perfect “law of liberty” and learn to keep it that our lives are truly blessed of God.
Jesus said to the woman taken in adultery, about to be stoned to death…” I do not condemn you; go and sin no more” That day she looked into the new law of liberty he wants for us all.
