Here Comes the Judge

Bible Reading: Romans 3:21-23
We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. Romans 3:22

   "Will the defendant please rise," drones the court bailiff.
   The young man at the table in the center of the courtroom slowly stands. The lawyer beside him has done everything she can. The young man is now at the mercy of the judge for sentencing. A roomful of spectators quiets to listen.
   The elderly judge looks intently at the defendant. "Do you acknowledge that the actions you have confessed to are wrong?"
   "Yes, Your Honor," the young man says softly, his head bowed in shame.
   The judge glances  at the documents on his desk, then returns his gaze to the defendant. "On the basis of the evidence in this case and your admission of guilt, this court sentences you to a fine of $10,000 or one year in jail."
   "But Your Honor," the defendant says, "I don't have $10,000."
   "Young man," the judge says firmly, "the law requires that you pay the fine or spend a year in jail." Then he raps the gavel once, signaling that court is dismissed.
   The defendant follows the robed judge to the court cashier. As the young man watches, the judge reaches beneath his robe and pulls out his personal checkbook. He carefully writes a check to the court in the amount of $10,000, signs it, and hands it to the cashier. Then he turns to the defendant with a smile. "You're free to go, Son."
   Tears fill the young man's eyes. "I don't deserve this, but thank you, Dad." Then the two embrace.
   That's a picture of how God loves us! We can't fully obey God's law. Our sin has earned us a sentence we can't pay. God, the righteous Judge, can't forgive the sin until the fine is paid. But the righteous Judge, who is also our loving Father, steps down from the bench and pays the fine himself. All we have to do is accept his generous gift by trusting Jesus Christ to take away our sins. Then all is forgiven and we are made right with out totally just and totally loving God.
   There's no other way. If God hadn't stepped in to make things right through Christ, we would have benn forever trapped by the penalty and power of sin. But he did step in, and he saved us!

Pray: Spend some time today thanking your loving Judge.

Encouraging Word: He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. Isaiah 40:11, NLT

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