Not Guilty!

Growing up if we broke something, did, or didn’t do something, we normally didn’t say a word. Unlike on TV, no one went around claiming it was his fault. There were never two or three people fighting each other claiming they were at fault for something. Shoo, if someone says, “oh, it’s my fault” most others will say, “You bet it is.” It may be real on TV, but not in our neighborhoods.
Once, during jury duty, a young black guy was on trial with about three charges against him. Most jurors wanted to listen to the facts/evidences available. One, elderly black woman however, said all black guys taken to court were automatically guilty! Ultimately, he was declared Not Guilty! His lawyer went berserk.
“Not guilty” are words we like hearing, especially if falsely accused. We live in a fallen & broken world. Regardless how innocent we may be, we’re guilty of sin within us. We’re all born into sin; can’t get away from it. In fact, Romans 3:10 says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.”
In the excellent movie, The Shack Mack is asked to choose one of his two children and condemn him/her to hell. Finding it impossible to do so, and due to his love for them, he chooses to go in their stead. That’s how God dealt with us. Finding it impossible to send us to hell, He decided to die in our place. That’s what Jesus did for us. Seeing the effects of sin all around and desiring to be reunited with His bride (all believers), God the Father asked, “Who will go?” Jesus answered, “Behold, send me, I will go” (Isaiah 6:8).
The Righteous God died for all unrighteous men and women (all humanity). Our guilt was transferred to Him while we took His innocence. We trade our lies for His Truth. He became our sin sacrifice. His death gave us eternal life. Just as when younger you and I might still keep quiet and not admit our guilt. However, it’s time to ‘fess up.” Those who refuse accepting His loving sacrifice, choose instead to bear the weight of their sins. In despising it, they are in essence, saying, “We don’t need you;” we prefer instead, to endure hell over heaven.
It’d be great to hear, “Not Guilty!”
God Bless,
Sam