Courtroom

Welcome back to MAKE ROOM! I pray you have been sustained this week by our precious Jesus, the Bread of Life, receiving fresh manna each day.

Today’s blog will feel a little different, but I pray it blesses you nonetheless. 

After graduating college, I moved to Central America to be a missionary for several years. Although I traveled all seven countries of the region, I lived in Costa Rica before moving to Guatemala. At the time of that move, I had no idea that I’d meet the love of my life there. When the Lord walked Ariel across my path, I knew pretty quickly that he was the one for me. 

As our relationship progressed, we were simultaneously making our way towards an immigration journey. Over the last twelve years, we’ve been through various rounds of paperwork, vetting, biometrics and more for temporary and then permanent residency. After being a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship completing your naturalization process. Last week, my husband did just that and gained his U.S. citizenship. Praise God! 

The final step of the citizenship process is an oath before a federal judge. Typically, only those being sworn in are allowed inside the courtroom, but a clerk realized there was an open row in the back available. Her words were stern as she pulled me out of the overflow space. She explained that there was to be no speaking or videography in the courtroom. I was only to stand upon the entrance of the judge and to say the pledge of allegiance. Grateful to be there, I nodded.

As the ceremony started, each of the 50 applicants were instructed to greet the judge by saying, “Good morning, Your Honor!” as they stood and introduced themselves sharing their name and country of origin. You could feel the mix of emotions in the room due to the weight and importance of what was taking place. There were nerves and fear. It was solemn and a bit tense.

The proceeding began with an advocate engaging the judge. He was the only one who spoke with the judge outside of the aforementioned introductions. This advocate informed the judge that he had reviewed each applicant’s qualifications and that he recommended she grant them citizenship. As the judge obliged and approved the recommendation, the atmosphere shifted. The weight lifted as hope and glimmers of celebration became evident. This approval meant the applicants had reached the finish line of their immigration journey. 

I’m not sure if it was the beauty of the diversity of 30+ countries being represented or the formality in the courtroom proceedings, but as I sat there taking it all in, the veil felt incredibly thin. I couldn’t help but imagine a heavenly courtroom with Yahweh, the all powerful God who is the Creator of all with no beginning or end and who reigns as the Name above all names and the King of kings, sitting on His throne behind a podium when I’m asked to introduce myself. 

In the piercing, pure light of His presence, the intensity of his holiness and love expose. How can I even speak? To Him?! Who am I? What could I ever say or do to merit just being in a space with Him much less be granted permission to speak to Him?! I’m so unworthy. There are absolutely no words to show proper respect for the great I AM. These thoughts and more flood my mind. The weight of the moment is crushing when just before attempting to stand and speak, the Man at the Judge’s right hand wearing a crown and dressed in white with scars in His hands and feet, stands and whispers, “Trade me places.” 

Although somewhat relieved, I’m confused. I’m sorry. What?! You would take my place in this courtroom? I’m on trial! The punishment is the death sentence and eternal separation from the goodness that is God. Why?! Why would you ever take my place. How?! How can I inherit what was meant for you?! 

“Trade me places,” He repeats firmly. 

Trembling, I slowly step out from behind the desk and hesitantly approach the throne from the left side of the courtroom. As I get closer, the glory is somehow increasingly brighter. I can feel it penetrating every cell of my body. As the distance between the One who sits on the throne and I decreases, I somehow simultaneously feel more unworthy yet more loved. When the Man in white steps down, I can no longer contain my gratitude. I make eye contact with Him, and He opens His arms. I immediately fall into them. Never have I felt such acceptance and love. Weeping I thank Him, but after we embrace, He just smiles and points to the place He vacated for me. 

As I approach and sit next to the Holy One, I’m in total awe while waiting for someone to ask me who I think I am and what I’m doing there, but nobody does. The Man in white steps behind the desk and tells His Father on the throne that I am His. I have been purchased with His precious blood. He already paid my debt. The punishment is null and void. Rather, I am accepted and can enjoy knowing God and being known by Him.

Friend, this is the Gospel.

I’m endlessly amazed how the Kingdom of God is both a now and not yet reality. While we can not yet experience that heavenly courtroom, the verdict is already in. We can enter the throne room whenever we choose to, not on our own merit but on what Jesus has done for us in His death and resurrection and through the revelation of the Holy Spirit.

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven,
Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses,
for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.
There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:14-16

That day in the courtroom changed my husband’s earthly citizenship. This truth changes everything. We don’t have to wait for eternity to draw near. The verdict is already in. The invitation is already extended. All you must do is MAKE ROOM to enjoy Him in the throne room for He is the treasure. He is the prize.