“Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead
of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a
double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.”
Isaiah 61:7
Dear Father,
I sat in a courtroom awhile back as an observer. Of course I had a personal vested interest in being there but I also learned a lot about the judicial system of our land. I watched as one after another defendant approached the judge with lawyers by their side and the district attorneys fumbling through piles and piles of paperwork. I saw some walk out free with faces elated and I saw others led away hands cuffed, heads drooping and hearts bound. Then my son walked in, shackled. Ummph! A sickening blow punched my heart! That great accuser of the brethren sat on my shoulder and taunted me relentlessly. “So how do you like that, Miss Bible Teacher? That is your child, Miss Church Lady, fine job you did with him! Where is your faith Miss Child of God?” And between his snickering taunts I heard a still small voice that is so precious to me – Your voice. Father I am reminded that You sat and watched Your shackled Son before a court. You knew what I felt. Your innocent Son took my guilty son’s punishment. Wow! With that reminder I turned a deaf ear to the accuser and listened as You spoke to me in that courtroom. I prayed mercy for everyone in there not even knowing what they’ve done because I am so thankful of Your mercy over me. You filled my heart with such peace and I was acutely aware of this peculiar situation You placed me where I saw law and grace played out before my eyes. For those in Christ Jesus we have already been pardoned and the double blessing is that we get to enjoy Your presence in this life right here and now. There is no pit so deep that You cannot rescue a troubled soul from it, no prison so secure that You cannot enter, no sentence adjudicated that can measure what You did for us on the cross. Yes, You are my everlasting joy and I praise You from the depths of my mercy-filled bones. Thank You for allowing me to approach the bench and tell You so. Amen.
Love,
Penny
