Craig Clouston

 

Our Advocate

April 19

We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous

1John 2:1

As the judge raised his gavel the defendant’s attorney stood and shouted, “Wait, Your Honor! I have one final appeal!”

Curious, the judge asked, “And what could you possibly have to say that hasn’t already been said, counselor?”

The attorney stepped from behind the table, glanced from the prosecutor to the judge, and said, “My client is guilty of all charges,” he began. “As a matter of fact, there are several more you might have brought if you’d only known about them. But…” he cut off any interruption, “I ask that all charges be dropped against my client…” The courtroom exploded in chaos with his flamboyant appeal!

“Silence!” the judge hollered, repeatedly slamming his gavel into the coaster on his desk. “There will be silence or I will have this courtroom cleared!”

When silence ensued, the judge asked the defense attorney, “And by what reason would you think I could entertain such a far-fetched notion?” he asked. “You yourself admitted his guilt! Why would I dismiss all charges against a guilty man?”

“Your Honor,” he began, “I’m not asking you to dismiss the charges. I would like to take my client’s place. I would ask the court to allow me to serve his sentence.” The collective gasp sucked all the air out of the room!

“Do you understand what you’re asking me to do?!” the judge said, incredulously.

“I do, Your Honor,” he quietly replied.

In an act never before witnessed, the judge slammed his gavel one last time and said, “Bailiff…take this man into custody! He is to serve the full extent of his client’s sentence!”

†

When a defendant is found guilty, someone must serve the sentence. And as far-fetched as today’s scenario might seem, it is exactly what Christ has done for everyone who has accepted His sacrifice on Calvary. He has taken our punishment in-full, and commuted our sentence.

In an act so unnatural that it defies belief; Jesus stands as our Advocate, ready to take the punishment our sin demands before a righteous Judge.

The choice is yours…please let Him serve your sentence.

Prayer

“I ask today, Lord Jesus, that You take my place and serve the sentence my sin requires. Make me ‘not guilty’ before the Father. In Your Name I pray, Amen.”