good evening, counselor

I said "pretty much" never lied. I didn't say I never, ever lied. You have to lie sometimes... in an emergency. Daniel Miller, Defending Your Life

In the interest of full disclosure, I want you to know that I am not a Meryl Streep fan. And Albert Brooks kinda grates my nerves a bit. But back in 1991 they worked together on a movie that presents a somewhat appealing concept. The idea that when you die, you have an opportunity to defend your life.

The alternative, I suppose, is the Veruca Salt model. You may remember her from Willie Wonka fame. She just steps on a scale and it instantly decides -- good egg or bad. No discussion, just a clever song from the oomph-loompas. Now that’s frightening.

If you’ve seen Defending Your Life, though, you’ll remember that the Albert Brooks character is represented by a glad-handing attorney who doesn’t make a strong case. His defense doesn’t go too well. That’s a bit frightening, too.

So who will be your attorney when you step before God on judgment day?

Jesus.

Imagine that day, in the presence of the Almighty. Your head starts to spin.. Does the good outweigh the bad? What about that candy bar I stole in the 3rd grade. The test answer I copied in college? The relationships I let sour. The thousands upon thousands of people in need I let go by day after day. The back. The back I showed to my Lord on too many occasions to even count.

Then Jesus steps forward. Puts his hand on your shoulder and whispers, do not be afraid. Then he does something amazing.

He presents you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy. Jude 24

Without fault. And with great joy. You are innocent. Come and enter that father’s kingdom, where you can stay for all eternity. Wow. Thank you Jesus!

Clarence Darrow couldn’t have gotten me off on that one, but somehow Jesus is able to present me without fault. And with great joy. His word becomes truth. And I am innocent.

And how can I repay Christ for his counsel?

To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, before all ages, now and forevermore! Jude 25

Glory to God.
Majesty to God.
Power to God.
Authority to God.

Guess I’ve got my homework assignment for tonight.



PS - If you found this interesting, see the latest rambling’s over at Steve’s blog.