Tuesday, September 3, 2013

"I need no other argument. I need no other plea."


from Courthouse - Waxahachie, TX
Hymn: “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place” – Lidie H. Edmunds
Tune: LANDAS

We watch way too many legal dramas on the television at our house. In fact, we’re now into several from the BBC; we just couldn’t get enough courtroom drama here in the states! We both read legal thrillers, and because Carlita works in a law office, we have lots of discussions about how the system works.

After the bailiff (or British usher) calls the court to order, one of the first questions to the accused is “How do you plead?” or “What is your plea?” In most cases on the televised dramas, the plea is “not guilty”; otherwise, these could be some very undersized shows!

It is then that the arguments are presented from both sides of the aisle… the prosecution and the defense teams present every possible angle to support their belief in guilt or innocence.

We understand that we are all guilty, right? Guilty, vile and helpless we. Our having sinned and fallen short of the glory of God have put us into that category. But our case is argued by our Advocate (I John 2:1) – the One who sits with us at the defense table. Our striving would be losing were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing… Christ Jesus.

His argument on our behalf is brief: “I have died for this person,” he says. It’s a short argument, but it is enough. The Holy Spirit is called as a witness (Hebrews 10:15), and the defense rests.

Despite the rantings and objections of the prosecutor – the Evil One himself – who may call witnesses to the contrary, the verdict is “not guilty.” We turn to thank our Defender and offer him payment for his services; he hands us his bill marked “paid in full.” The case is closed. The next sinner on the docket is called forward, and the process continues. It is fortunate for us that the Father of our Defender was our Judge.

That’s a lot to process while singing this one hymn-line, isn’t it? I’m afraid that is how my mind works! When this phrase comes across my lips, I am reminded that I’ve had my day in court and that I am now free from the law – and it’s a happy condition.

Originally Posted 09/03/2013

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Hymnlines - Hemlines: Get it?! :)

Hymnlines - Hemlines: Get it?! :)