October 13, 2022 - 1 John 1-2

I wrote the following, several years ago; these are reflections and encouragements that are always so timely. . . . Such wonderful words: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins” (2:1:2). Think about this!

If (when?), today, I fail to obey a particular commandment, Jesus steps before the Father and says, “Don’t lay that charge against George. I’ve taken care of it.”

If I become sinfully angry sometime today, Jesus steps before the Father and says, “Don’t lay that charge against George. I’ve taken care of it.”

If my thoughts, at any point today, are sinful, Jesus steps before the Father and says, “Don’t lay that charge against George. I’ve taken care of it.”

If I . . . if I . . . if I . . . when I . . . when I . . . when I . . . well, just imagine all the sins that we will commit today. And each time, each and every time, Jesus steps before the Father and says, “Don’t lay that charge against him/her. I’ve taken care of it.” This is the most wonderful news that we could ever receive. Here is no license for sinning but, oh my! We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ our Savior! We sing it often:

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea;

a great High Priest whose name is Love,

who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,

my name is written on his heart.

I know that while in heav’n he stands

no tongue can bid me thence depart,

no tongue can bid me thence depart. -- Charitie Lees Bancroft (19th century)