A Smother’s Love
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - 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. 1 John 2:1-2
Insight
To say my mom's parenting style involved hovering, nosiness, and being overbearing would be the understatement of the year. Scratch that...century. Let's just say she had trouble cutting the chord. I took advantage of this trait when it came to slacking on my chores, but despised it when she volunteered at every school function, chaperoned every school dance, and generally wanted to know every detail about my life.
My typical teenage angst attempted to push her away, but I secretly cherished how much she cared. There's nothing better than a smother's (smothering mother) love, especially when you find yourself in trouble. Early in high school, I had slacked off on an important assignment and received a less than stellar grade, one that I admittedly earned. But, that didn't float with my mom who promptly scheduled a meeting with my English teacher.
I sat outside for what felt like an eternity while my mother and my incredibly patient teacher hashed it out in the other room. Like a skilled lawyer, my mom spoke up on my behalf. After what felt like an eternity, the door flung open, my mom came out and said, "Get your stuff...you got a B." To this day, I don't understand how she worked her magic - all I know is that she was my advocate that day (and every day).
I received what I didn't deserve solely because I had someone in my corner willing to go to bat for me. The same sentiment holds true when it comes to my struggles and sin.
Like everyone else, I missed the mark, I went my own way, and I settled for lesser things. I flunked the assignment of life by not only making a mess of things, but also by not having the ability to clean everything up on my own.
Shame, brokenness, and hurt should define my story, but it doesn't. Why? Because thanks to the goodness of God, I have someone in my corner. Christ is my advocate. He serves as my mediator.
His love speaks on my behalf. He stood in my place. He righted all my wrongs. He took my failures and redeemed them. His sacrifice sealed my fate. The cross had the final word in that discussion.
Christ doesn't want to be an advocate on only matters dealing with eternity. He desires to speak into every aspect of who we are. He wants to smother us with His love. During those moments of struggle, Christ reminds us He settled the case so we can get up and walk in the freedom He provides.
Reflection
Where do you need to be reminded that Christ serves as your advocate? Why does this place come to mind?
Prayer
God, thank you for loving a broken person like myself. Your love speaks volumes. May I remember I am never alone and that You are always by my side fighting for me. I will stand in the freedom Your grace provides. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
