At the beginning of Acts 25, we find Paul once again defending himself in court. In addition to steadfastly maintaining his innocence, he appeals to a higher authority, setting up his final journey to argue his case before Ceasar in Rome. Many of the hymns and scripture passages in this morning’s service reflect God’s role as judge and lawgiver, and our need for an advocate in His court. We will refer to God as the “judge of all the earth” (The Lord Is King) and “a righteous judge” (O Lord Most High—Psalm 9). The psalms remind us that “the King in His might loves justice” (Psalm 99:4), that men must seek justice “at the foot of His throne” (The Lord Reigns Above—Psalm 97), and that He will judge the whole world with equity (O Sing A New Song—Psalm 98). We confess our need for vindication, for the help of a “contender” or “strong defender,” trusting that a “righteous judge” will maintain our “righteous cause” (Be My Contender In The Strife—Psalm 35). By God’s grace we have such a contender: the Lord Jesus Christ, who “lives to plead [our] cause above” (I Know That My Redeemer Lives). Because Jesus is our advocate, we can stand “before kings and governors” unafraid (Luke 21:12), knowing that when we stand before the ultimate throne, we “stand in Him complete” (Jesus Paid It All).
—Henry C. Haffner
