We’ve all heard the old adage that there are two sides to every story, and a classic trial brings that point out vividly.  I’ve served on three juries in the past – one guilty, one given a lesser settlement than desired, and one not guilty.  It’s an honor to be selected to sit with peers to carefully review and ponder the facts of the case as presented by the respective attorneys, and to be responsible for the right verdict.  Certainly, some have abused the trial-by-jury system and condemned truly innocent folks; but, more often than not, it has been and still is an equitable and fair justice system.

The legal teams for the defendant and the plaintiff each present salient points to be considered, arguing their case convincingly with evidence and witnesses.  Once the case has been handed over to the jury, it’s up to these 12 peers to discuss evidence presented and determine guilt or innocence.  Typically, at each trial, we jurors took our first poll at the beginning of deliberations.  It was evident that we could often tell early on where the truth lay.  We also brought along our own life experiences and knowledge which helped weigh the evidence from both sides as we listened to each juror’s assessment.

But sometimes it seems that a trial with its accusations is like that voice in my head reminding me of how guilty I am.  It’s Satan pointing out all of my sins… one after another, stacked high, like a mountain tall.  The right way to live is spelled out in the Ten Commandments, in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and scattered all throughout God’s Holy Word. But I’m also well aware that we cannot keep God’s commands and expectations to live a pure and holy life… because we can be easily swayed in the wrong direction when overwhelmed by life’s challenges or our thoughts are not resting secure in God’s Word.  And I have a serious debt which I can never repay.

So, what am I to do? Go to the Lord, confess my sins and failures, and accept God’s love and forgiveness, for nothing I could ever do will wash away my guilt.  My favorite verse since childhood has been – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  (John 3:16 KJV)  

Jesus took the punishment I deserved on that fateful day we call Good Friday.  He was put on trial, a one-sided sham of justice.  He was whipped, mocked, and nailed to a cross… not because of anything He had done for He was sinless, faultless, perfect… fully human, yet fully God. He did that for me… and for you.  He willingly took our place, giving His life to purchase our right to join Him in heaven forever.  His grace and mercy bring me to tears.  Someday I will stand before Almighty God, my judge, to give an account of my life.  I will have nothing to say in my defense… except that I put faith in my advocate, Jesus, who will be standing at my side, declaring me guiltless because He already paid for my sins… with His own life… my advocate, my Lord and Savior. 

My Advocate

Linda A. Roorda

With accusations I’m now confronted

No plea have I but guilty as charged

I hang my head to litany stark

And with quiet shame my accuser I face.

~

It once had seemed the world was my own

I learned the games to lie and to cheat

I did not care if others were hurt

As long as my will and goals were achieved.

~

But in the spiral of downward tumble

I lost the vision I’d once beheld

A purer focus, others before self

Humble respect in tangled webs lost.

~

And one by one as charges were read

I clearly recalled the past with deep pain

Words now regretted, carelessly spoken

How could I ever repair what I had done?

~

In my despair while under scrutiny

My only hope was to beg for mercy

That perhaps some deed along the way

Would balance the book, the ledger of sin.

~

But, alas, I heard the judge declare

Guilty as charged; no mercy be shown.

Like rock upon rock my sins were stacked high

As I stared upon that mountain of debt.

~

Just then the doors were flung open wide

And striding forth came a man in pure white

Boldly he exclaimed, “This debt has been paid!”

“I hung on the cross, and took all the shame.”

~

Slowly I sank to my knees in awe.

Who was this man who gave all for me?

How could he give his life for my debt?

For I can’t repay such a merciful gift.

~

Reaching out gently he pulled me up tall

And showed me his scars and nail-pierced hands

He held out his arms in welcome embrace

As he dried my tears and declared me free.

~

I love you my child… I did this for you.

I carried your shame upon my beaten back.

I purchased your soul with life-giving blood

That you might have life with mercy and grace.

~

Now all I ask is by faith you walk,

Bringing to the world compassion and peace.

Carry my light to the corners dark,

Open your heart to love and forgive.

~~

 

Linda Roorda writes from her home in Spencer.