ADVOCATE VS ACC– USER
March 25, 2019
Prayer: May we stay close to you Lord, our Advocate and far from the accuser.
Scripture: Even now, behold my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high. Job 16:19 NAS
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2 NAS
Have you ever had a student who was constantly “informing you of other student’s misbehavior?” Back when I was growing up they were tagged as “tattletales” but I don’t think that is “politically correct” any longer. I am not talking about the reporting of significant or hurtful activity, I am talking about the constant reporting, not always accurate, that children do to gain attention, reward, or to feel useful or even superior. How do you discern between the important information and drama, rivalry, and mischief? Do you ever search for a witness? What if the accused has a reliable advocate? How do we encourage students to share information concerning personal and school safety in a world that threatens and strikes fear in the lives of those who need to “tell?” All of these are hard questions.
The New Testament Greek Lexicon defines, “Advocate” as: summoned, called to one’s side, esp. called to one’s aid
-one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate
-one who pleads another’s cause with one, an intercessor
As followers of Jesus, our advocate in heaven is of Christ in his exaltation at God’s right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins. Many Christians are surprised to hear that they will appear before the judgment seat. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad”.
This is not bad news for believers. Every man and woman will give an account for their life on earth, the salvation they accepted and the gifts available to them. The comfort is that Christ is your Counsel, your advocate. As you confessed Him in your life on earth, He will confess you before God as His own, covered by His blood, debt free, holy and righteous before God.
Those who never confessed Him as Lord will only have the Accuser, no Advocate. Jesus will say, “I never knew you.”(Matt. 7:23) The Accuser will more than likely show up for your “hearing” but his accusations will fall on deaf ears. Jesus will get the final word.
Copyright Kathy Branzell. Email [email protected]