Guilty until proven innocent.

Channel surfing the other day, I came across a series finale show. Unfamiliar with the show, I decided to watch it for a few minutes to see if I could understand the premise of the show. Interestingly, I started watching just as a man was preparing to hear his sentences.

In this scene, the parties agreed to a plea deal which let the criminal off lightly. Somewhat bewildered, the judge tries to make sense of this seemingly light sentence for this seasoned criminal. As the judge starts questioning the prosecution about their agreement, the defendant stands up.

When he stands to speak, the defendant decides to represent himself and asks the judge to hear his side of the story. Looking out for his best interest, the judge then recommends he sit down and be quiet as saying anything could jeopardize the “sweet deal” he just got. After all, everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

Undeterred, the man insists and then cites an array of crimes he willingly committed, some of which the court did not know. Then, despite the prosecution and his defense advisor pleading with him to stop, he continues confessing. His confession is full of prideful statements about his actions but also deep remorse for hurting innocent people.

In the end, the judge sentences him to eight-six years rather than the initial seven years from the plea deal. He then quietly settles into prison life, feeling he got what he deserved.

This story is a stark contrast to what Christ did for us. When we were just as guilty as this man, there was nothing we could do to “make things right.” The sentence for our sins was far more than we could ever pay off other than eternal separation from God and damnation.

However, Jesus stepped in before the Judge and paid the price for us. He took on that sentence and then set us free. So, if you’ve accepted Christ as your savior, live today as a free man, not held in bondage by your sins. You’re no longer guilty until proven innocent. However, if you have not given your life to Christ, he’s ready to hear your plea and pay the price.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

Psalm 86:5-7
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
⁶ Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
listen to my plea for grace.
⁷ In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
for you answer me.

Pray:

Pray for forgiveness and to accept Christ as Lord over your life. Also, pray to receive the freeing gift of grace from God.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you? Then, determine what you will do with what you’ve learned.

Share / Show:

Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.