Daily Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7–15
We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. (2 Cor. 4:14)
I have had occasion to visit a courtroom—thankfully at a safe distance from the judge and on the right side of the law. There is something about the atmosphere and appointments of a courtroom, and the appearance of a judge, that is sobering and intimidating. Courtrooms are where charges are read, evidence is presented, pleas are made, judgments are declared, and sentences are established. I don’t want to be there unless I know there is plenty of evidence I am not guilty.
It is sobering to step into the presence of the Almighty—the Righteous Judge. I would have no hope if I had to go there alone. My guilt could too easily be established, my conviction too certain, and my sentence beyond appeal.
Among the amazing benefits of the atonement is that the One who already paid the penalty for my crime will not only represent me before the Judge, but will joyfully present me as an exhibit of the effectiveness of His sacrifice to forgive, cleanse, and transform me (Jude 24). He wants to present me as one of the Father’s blood-bought children. He wants the joy of seeing the Judge examine the record and find nothing against me, of turning His penetrating gaze toward me and seeing only a white robe washed in the blood, of hearing no accusations and making the declaration that I am found to be faultless. I am exhibit 1 that the atonement works.
You are given boldness to approach the throne, so use the privilege right now.
Ken Heer is the author of Ancient Fire (WPH) and has been a pastor and church leader for fifty-two years.
