I saw a movie about the end of World War II in which a Nazi officer, who is trying to keep Jews from being arrested and killed, has a death penalty pronounced against him by the Nazi authorities. He deserts his post and waits until the Canadian units arrive and liberate the Dutch region in which he is hiding. He then turns himself into the Canadian commander of the military sector. Unfortunately, the military law in force in the liberated zones required that previously determined judgments could be carried out at the discretion of the Allied commander. The man comes before the Canadian commander quite certain of his vindication. Unfortunately, a Nazi general anxious to cover up the slaughter of Dutch Jews advocates not for the liberation of his inferior officer, but argues rather for his summary execution. He is taken out and shot. The Canadian found it easier to concur with the Nazi general, rather than advocate for the innocent man.

 

We seldom intercede for one another, but often advocate against others. We ask not for mercy for them, but talk about their sins and weaknesses. Secretly we think that God should give them their comeuppance, or we may actually say to another that they should get exactly what they deserve! God does not act this way. Our heavenly Father has sent His Son into the world to take our comeuppance in His suffering and death. Then our Lord Jesus is seated at the right hand of our Father to advocate for us there. He intercedes in the presence of the heavenly throne, pleading that our Father would not treat us as we deserve, but that He would treat us as He Himself deserves, who has obeyed His Father perfectly. He displays before our Father the wounds that are our salvation: "Look Father, upon My hands and hands and feet and side! These wounds unto death are the life of the people You sent me to save. You must vindicate them, for so You have promised in Your Word. Before Your judgment throne the only verdict that is possible is 'not guilty.'" The Father receives this intercession because it entirely concurs with His gracious will. He never pleads for our Father to give us what we deserve.