Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 1 Samuel 12:3, ” Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and His anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right. ” 

Background

Of all the detective shows that have come and gone, my favorite may still be Perry Mason. Although the original airing of the series ended shortly after my birth, I learned of the show through reruns and was instantly captivated by the brilliant lawyer who never lost a case. The simple formula played itself out in each episode. A crime was committed and a fairly obvious suspect was charged by the police. Mason would defend the accused, and then set out to not only win his client’s freedom, but also to have the actual guilty party confess to their crime, usually on the witness stand while Mason was interrogating them. The hook was not to see whether the suspect would be vindicated, but rather to find out which one of the minor characters had some secret motive that led to their downfall. Some would brazenly defy Mason and others would tiptoe around the truth and leave much room for doubt. But the truth eventually came out. 

Application

Being grilled in court by an attorney when you are innocent is undoubtedly nothing to look forward to. Going through that process when you are guilty would be horrific. Samuel put himself on the stand before the people of Israel to let them take their shots at him regarding his tenure as their judge and priest. He asked for accusers, and there were none. He had been faithful to God and His people as a leader and intercessor. Among other things, those roles are two of mine for my family. Yours may be very similar, or less so. But you do have a role. For many days, I have planned on placing myself in the round before my family, not to ask for accusers, but to stand before them, accused and guilty. There is correcting that needs to occur, and it begins with me. I won’t ask questions. I’ll simply confess to the answers. I have hopes for me and my family, and directives from my heavenly Father. But none of that can come to pass without honesty and humility. It won’t be easy, but it will be good. For everyone. 

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask some questions of yourself that need to be asked. Give serious consideration to the answers, and what to do with them.  

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words