You have a Defender
If you were accused of a crime you would want the best defense attorney you could afford. A defense lawyer analyzes the accusation, gathers evidence to defend you, contacts witnesses and then defends you in a court before a judge and jury. There are so many television shows that have something to do with the law, the criminal justice system, judges, lawyers, etc., that most of us have some information about what happens when a person is accused, the arraignment and the trial.
I John 1 and 2 contain language of the court room.
The crime: Sin, lawlessness (not walking in the light, hating our brother) 1Jn. 1:6;
2:9.
The defender: Jesus, Christ, the Righteous One. 1 John 2:1.
The judge: The Father. 1 John 2:1
The defense: Confession. 1 John 1:9.
The verdict: Guilty but forgiven. The crime has already been paid for by the defender!!
1 John 1:2b.
None of the television shows I've seen turn out this way. The accused is guilty and pleads guilty. The defense lawyer approaches the bench and says, "Father, this defendant is guilty, and he has confessed. I know the sentence is death, but I've already paid for this crime, so please commute the sentence." He doesn't manipulate the evidence or make excuses for our sin. What kind of courtroom is that? The judge is the lawyer's father? That's God courtroom.
We're all guilty of the crime of transgressing God's law. The only way to escape the sentence is to confess, which in essence is to agree with God. Then our defense attorney steps in and reminds the Judge that the crime has already been paid for. 1 John 1:9 from the Amplified Bible: "If we freely admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins, dismiss our lawlessness and continuously cleanse us from all unrighteousness -- everything not in conformity to his will in purpose thought and action."
1 John 1:7 says, "If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." One of the ways we know we have fellowship with the Lord is that we have fellowship with other people. The Greek word translated "purifies" or in other versions, "cleanses." speaks of continual cleansing. If we're walking int he light that God has given us, then there is a continual cleansing that is taking place within us. it's like there is a perpetual fountain constantly washing your inner man. How awesome is that?
Les this be your prayer today. "Thank you Jesus, that you act in my defense and plead my case with the Father, the judge of the whole earth. Thank you for your continued cleansing so I can walk with you in confidence. Thank you that if I do sin, you are faithful to forgive me as I confess my sin to you, and you purge me of all wrongdoing."
God is good all the time,
Naomi Brinkman
1 comment:
So thankful for the God of all mercy and grace who will defend us. Many times when we are not even worthy of being defended.
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