Courtroom Surprises

Even your God who contends for His people. Isaiah 51:22 (New American Standard Bible)

I cross referenced this verse and came across many legal terms. I picture a courtroom scene as I read words such as defend, vindicate, plead their case, executes judgment, has a case against, and maintains. When all seems lost and is stacked against us, it is Jesus who comes to our defense.

He fights against accusations, injustices, wrong perceptions, and judgments. The very One who could bring the most evidence against me is ready and willing to stand up for me. As Romans says, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” The very One who could condemn me justifies me. Over my life He has forever hung the banner “there is now therefore no condemnation.”
When a woman was caught in adultery and people were gathered together to stone her, they dropped their stones along with their agenda and left because Jesus made a point. He said the one who had never sinned could cast the first stone. The only One who was qualified to hurl that first stone was Jesus and He didn’t do it! Not only did He not hurl a stone at her, He didn’t hurl insults, disgust, or anger. He didn’t even condemn her. His condemnation was against her actions as He said, “Go and sin no more.”

This same Jesus stands in the courtroom of our lives and comes to our defense. He contends for us on a daily basis. He comes against the false accusations as well as the true ones. While our actions may not be justified, we are! He took our verdicts on Himself at Calvary.

It is my understanding that you cannot be tried for the same crime twice. Double jeopardy! So even when the accusations are true Jesus stands ready to remind our accusers He has already taken that charge on Himself. He took the sin, the guilt, the sentence, and the condemnation.
This does not eliminate the sowing and reaping principle. It simply means grace and forgiveness abound even in the midst of sowing and reaping.

Oh, if we could just grasp the ramifications of His courtroom statements. We too would drop our stones and embrace the ones He has embraced. Such actions would show the true meanings of His words.

Father, I understand so little of Your defense for me. When I want to hide in shame, You turn my face toward Yours to hear you say “neither do I condemn you.” Thank you. Amen.