I Appeal to Jesus

Daily Reading: Acts 25

Scripture Focus: But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar. (Acts 25.11b)

Devotional Thought: In chapter 1 of the Old Testament book of Job, we read how Satan accused Job of serving God only because of the blessings. The rest of the book relates the story of Job's struggles and appeal to God's faithfulness. As it turned out, there was nothing to Satan's charges against Job. No evidence could be found to convict Job. In the New Testament, Paul faces a similar situation before a human court. He appeals, "If there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar." No evidence could be found to convict Paul.

What a great picture of our salvation in Jesus! Satan charges us before God. He "throws the book" at us. Every sinful thought, word or action is presented as evidence. But, it turns out that there is nothing to these charges against us. Jesus, our Advocate, presents evidence to the contrary. All the charges have been taken away. The verdict is officially entered into the court record: "not guilty."

When we are declared "not guilty" by Jesus, there is no further court of authority. The verdict stands. No one can give us up to our enemy. Death and judgment stand condemned and we are innocent.

In the Great Judgment, Jesus will represent us. When we stand before God, we can say, "I appeal to Jesus!" Amen!

Prayer: Jesus, thank you that you are my Advocate with the Father. I thank you that you have taken all my sins and all my guilt away. And with them, you have removed all punishment. I have only one appeal, and it is to you! Help me to trust in you and live for you every day. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 6 For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, 7 but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another. 8 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed, and he pours out from it, and all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs. 9 But I will declare it forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. 10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up. (Psalms 75:6-10)