NOT GUILTY!
the Saving GRACE of God’s Redeeming LOVE
April 14th, 2023
All Rise; Court is in Session
Romans 8:1, ‘So now the case is closed. There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are joined in life-union with Jesus, the Anointed One.’ (TPT)
The courtroom was stone quiet and still. Even breath didn’t move. Faces were pasted stoic and white. No matter what the Judge decided, someone was going to be mad while someone else would be pleased. One side would feel sorrow and face defeat while others would find solace in victory and gloating. There are always two sides to every story. That is a truth which never changes no matter how you shake it or roll it or dice it.
There you are, shackled, your fate laying like waste on everyone else’s mind. You can’t think; that’s what got you here…thinking too much. You are led to a podium where you stand, alone. Alone: the loneliest word in the English language. Even the internal trial, where it is a lonely row to sit, is forlorn and sedentary. You never thought it could feel this tragic; not another soul can take your place.
But Jesus did
You prepare yourself for the charade of false wisdom that will fall from the lips of those who partake. There is a shade of this which will never diminish. All your life, you have heard the chants, ‘You lose!’ ‘Loser!’ ‘GUILTY!’ ‘Get out! and don’t come back!’ The crowd jeers noisily, banging guilt like a gavel. You’d block your eyes and ears to shut them out, but your hands are restricted in metal chains behind your back. You are ready to face even death row just to escape the trial playing out before.
At once, a hush spreads and permeates the room. The jesting ends and everyone grows very still. There is a Judge, formidable and holy, Who slowly walks to a place next to you. There He pauses, kisses your cheeks, then stands, upright and magnificent in all His regal splendor. Taking your hand in His, He raises both high. ‘NOT GUILTY!’ resonates to the high ceiling and thuds in the hearts of those who opposed you, your enemies drop heads and turn to walk away, an angry outcry immediately silenced on their tongues. The cry ‘NOT GUILTY’ rings down through the ages, as the Judge guides you to the outside world. You are free. You have been set free. Indeed.
God’s Loving Kindness Leads Me to Repentance
