The Advocate
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Most people—particularly law-abiding citizens and faithful believers, be they Christian, Jew, Muslim, or other—will never see the inside of a courtroom.
For the unfortunate ones accused of having committed an infraction against the law, the courtroom is where legal battles are fought.
My experience has led me to conclude that, in many ways, our earthly courtrooms are modeled on the heavenly courts. Here in Canada, we have the accused in the “prisoner’s box”; the prosecutor is on the right, and the defense counsel is on the left of the counsel table. Spectators are seated in the body of the courtroom. Court staff, including the court reporter (who is there to record all that is said), sit on the right, and the clerk of the court sits on the left.
The clerk of the court’s main function is to assist the presiding judicial officer, who is the highest-ranking person in the courtroom. Much deference is given to the judge. Everyone stands upon the judge’s entry, and no one sits before the judge is seated, and only after being instructed to do so by the clerk of the court. Everyone has an advocate when they appear before the court. Those who are unable to retain a lawyer of choice may be assigned one by the state. Occasionally, an individual will choose to represent themselves.
However, they do so often at their own peril. In the heavenly courts, no one is at risk of a lack of legal representation. All sinners have access to the same Advocate: Jesus Christ, the supreme Advocate. The heavenly records show that we broke the law when we sinned. God’s judgment requires our death as punishment, but Christ steps forward, pleads our case, and presents His grace and mercy as the pardon for our transgressions of the law. Most importantly, His redemptive service is totally free of charge.
The ancient philosopher Socrates is credited with this observation regarding the duty of earthly judges: “To hear courteously; to answer wisely; to consider soberly; and to decide impartially.” However, we are painfully aware this is often not the case.
Many people do not receive fair and just treatment under earthly legal systems. Let us give thanks for the fact that our true Advocate is Christ Jesus, the righteous One, and that God is the only true and just Judge. Thank You, Lord!
Avis Mae Rodney
