1 John 1:5-2:2 - This is the message we have heard from [Jesus] and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us. 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, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
What do you do when you are in deep, deep trouble, and you can't get yourself out of it? When you are frightened and powerless? You scream for help, don't you?
I certainly do. And this is exactly what God wants us to do when it comes to Jesus. He is our Advocate—our Helper, the One who intercedes with God the Father for us. When we are in trouble, He speaks for us. Who could do it better than our own blood relative, Jesus the Son of Man?
Jesus is our comfort whenever we sin and face consequences in our lives—fear and shame. Grief and sadness. Broken relationships. The fear of getting what we deserve.
That is when Jesus speaks for us. That is when He stands before the Father on our behalf, asking God's mercy on us. And not just with His Words!
His scars speak for us. For He came into this world for just that reason, to lay down His life on the cross to take away all our sin and shame. His blood washes us clean again, His death gives us life. And now that He has risen from the dead, He always lives to speak for us (see Hebrews 7:25). We will never be alone and helpless again. God Himself has given us a Savior and Advocate.
WE PRAY: Dear Father, thank You for giving us Jesus! Thank You for bringing us back to You through Him. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. Can you remember a time you had trouble and needed someone to speak up for you? If you feel comfortable, tell the story.
2. When you're in trouble, would you rather speak for yourself, or have someone else advocate for you? Why?
3. What motivates Jesus to speak up on your behalf?
Today's Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 28-29 Luke 7:31-50
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