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Reflections: Daily Devotions in Disability Ministry

Advocacy

July 6, 2010

1 John 2:1-2
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (NIV)

What is an advocate or a self-advocate? Have you ever had to speak up for yourself? Then you were a self-advocate. Have you ever needed someone to help you speak up on your behalf? Then that person was your advocate.

In America, we believe in making sure people have the opportunity to speak up and let others know what they think and feel. Often, people can speak up for themselves or be a self-advocate. Sometimes people need someone to be an advocate for them, like when a lawyer speaks up for people in court.

The Bible tells us that Jesus is an Advocate for us in heaven. He speaks up for us when we have sinned. God says we must be punished for our sins, but Jesus speaks up for us and says our sins have already been paid for. He says we should not be punished for our sins, because He already paid for our sins when He died on the cross for us. We deserve to be punished, but Jesus our Savior and Advocate took the punishment we deserve. We are forgiven.

One day, when we stand before God and have to answer for our sins, Jesus our Advocate will speak up for us and say: “My friend is forgiven, I died for their sins.” May this truth fill your heart with peace and joy! Your sins are forgiven. Jesus loves you!

Lord Jesus, we thank You that we live in a country where we can speak up and let others know what we think and feel. We also give thanks to You for being our Advocate in heaven. Thank You for dying on the cross to pay for all of our sins. Help us to trust in You as our Savior and Advocate. In Your name we pray. Amen.

Jeanne M. Dicke, Ministry Consultant – MN & WI
http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/resources/spiritualResources/pmc.asp

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