When Mercy Speaks First
Mercy spoke first, the stain did not have the last word.
Devotional Credit: eManna by Witness Lee
Photo Credit: Unsplash
1 John 2 reminds me that when a believer stumbles, Jesus Christ the Righteous is already speaking for us before the Father. The Scripture does not push us into shame. It points us to an Advocate who stands on finished work and draws us back into the light. Today’s eManna reading helped me slow down and really hear that kindness, so thank you to Witness Lee for the way he highlights this grace from God.
This is not a pass for careless living. It is the very reason confession becomes honest and quick. When I know the Son has spoken for me, I step out of hiding. I agree with God about sin without spiraling inward, and I thank Him for cleansing that flows from the cross. Advocacy is not the reward for good behavior. It is the steady ministry of Jesus that brings a child of God to repentance and restores fellowship.
The gospel paints a wide horizon. Jesus is the propitiation for our sins, and John says His work reaches to the whole world. The provision in the Son is more than enough. Those who are in Him stand in a love that was decided at the cross and declared at the empty tomb. That is why my footing holds when I slip. I am met by a living Advocate whose scars are the answer.
So if today uncovers failure into sin, do not turn inward. Turn upward. Jesus has not stepped away from you. He meets you in the light with cleansing and peace, and He teaches your heart to walk again.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I bear witness that you belong to the Son who is righteous, and there is no condemnation for you in Him. When you sin, do not run from the light. Walk into it. The blood of Jesus cleanses. He intercedes and saves to the uttermost. He is your Advocate with the Father. Confess, and I am faithful and just to forgive and to cleanse. Set your mind on things above. Consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God. Present yourself to Me, and I will lead you in paths of truth. I renew your mind. I steady your steps. I keep you in peace as you look to Me. I am at work in you to will and to do for the pleasure of the Father.
Scripture references: 1 John 2:1 to 2, Romans 8:1, 1 John 1:7 to 9, Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:33 to 34, Colossians 3:1 to 4, Romans 6:6 to 11, Romans 12:1 to 2, Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:4 to 6, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 4:14 to 16.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a stain remover pen you keep in a bag. When a drip of coffee lands on a shirt, you touch the pen to the spot and the solution immediately begins to lift what you could only smear by rubbing. The agent does the work. That is how the advocacy of Jesus and the ministry of the Holy Spirit meet us. Instead of scrubbing with self effort, we turn to Him, and His finished work addresses the stain while He guides honest steps forward.
Try this today. If you miss the mark in a conversation, pause and look to the Lord. Say, Lord, I trust You to deal with this through me right now, cleanse my heart, steady my tone, and lead me in what to say. Then go make it right with simple honesty and a calm spirit, expecting His life to show up as truth and kindness.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that Jesus Christ the Righteous is my Advocate. Thank You that His blood cleanses and that there is no condemnation in Him. I agree with You about sin, and I receive the forgiveness and cleansing You have already provided. I present this day to You with a grateful heart. Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in each word and decision today.