Jesus, Our Ad litem

Dear Friends,

Ad litem (Latin “for the suit”) is a term used in law to refer to the appointment by a court of one party to act in a lawsuit on behalf of another party—for instance, a child or an incapacitated adult—who is deemed incapable of representing him or herself.¹ While an Ad Litem works primarily with abused children, there is an ad litem (or advocate) who represents another group that is incapable of representing itself – US.

One day we will all stand trial: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10.

Since only a fool has himself for a lawyer, it is a blessing that we will have a special advocate standing beside us, “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:1,2

Imagine the scene: You stand before the bar as Satan, the accuser, points his finger at you and indicts you with the verse, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23.

Jesus, your “Ad litem,” doesn’t object as the accuser cites Ecclesiastes 12:14 (NIV): “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

“People who know me would testify that I am a good person,”you whisper; although you know that works isn’t a defense. The Accuser hears your comment and snarls at you as he quotes Matthew 12:36,” But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”

You recall times when you judged others, and the words from Romans 14:10 come to mind: “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”

Jesus smiles at you, then he walks forward and takes his seat behind the bench. The accuser turns red with anger as he shouts, “God will bring everything into judgement!”

Jesus stuns the accuser with words from John 5:22 and Revelation 21:6, “…the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son – I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.”

Turning to you, Jesus asks, “What is your plea?”

“I throw myself on the mercy of the court.”

You kneel, and humbly claim as yours the words from the Apostle Paul in Galatians 3:20: ^“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

As our imaginary trial draws to a close, Jesus might then paraphrase Psalm 103:12, “as far as the east is from the west, so far {have I} removed your transgressions from you” “By grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:5 (b)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, hat saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now, I see.

Verse for the week: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here.” Galatians 2:20

Blessings,
Your friends in Christ

 

¹ Wikipedia