The young teenage boy stands on quivering legs, his palms sticky from sweat as he anticipates the penalty for his crimes. Maybe if he had only committed one, but the list the bailiff will read is lengthy. His accuser seems giddy for his chance to lay out the case for the worst possible debts to be paid. He knows this criminal has no chance for leniency. The case seems stacked against this kid. The accused looks at dower faces in the jury. They don’t appear to be his kind of peers. “All rise.” The entirety of the courtroom stands for the supposed “honorable judge.”
This aging child never really understood what his father did for an occupation. In fact, he just didn’t care. When his father would invite him to learn about the intricacies of his work, the kid just found different things to do, most of which ended up in debauchery. He rejected all his father tried to teach him. He mastered the word “No” to the chagrin of his father. Then bad friends pushed evil activities. The cussing, smoking, booze, marijuana, fights, narcotics and finally the situations that landed him in this courtroom. He knew he was guilty, although he always thought what he did was his own business. He believed his life was his own, and he should not be held accountable to anyone, especially his father.
In his short life, he became a drunken drug addict, guilty of being a thief, lying for his buddies and more. Why not? After all, that’s what society had taught him. Hollywood movies, video games and too few adult influences molded him into what he is now. A month ago he considered himself a tough guy among his “friends.” Would he feel the same as handcuffs remained cutting off the circulation in his wrists, when “guilty” is the jury’s decision?
The judge entered. The boy’s eyes dared not to look up. When the judge was seated on his throne, all respectfully took their seats. “Who accuses this boy?” the judge asks in a voice that seems vaguely familiar to the boy, still looking down. The accuser then lays out the case against him. No more defense could help the boy. The jury deliberated, and reported, “Guilty.”
“Son, do you have anything to say for yourself?”
“No” he replied, easing his gaze upward. To his utter amazement, the somewhat familiar voice of the judge was his father. The judge continued with the sentencing.
“This court orders either a fine of $40 billion, or life in solitary confinement in a prison on the equator in complete darkness, where all you will hear day and night for eternity is wailing and the gnashing of teeth.”
The boy shouts out, “Dad, you know I can’t pay that.”
“You address me as ‘Your Honor’ when I am on this bench. Do you think my judgment is unjust? What is the price for all the damage you have done? Think of everyone that has been affected by your actions. What price could you possibly come up with for these crimes? Do you think society should pay your due? What have you ever done that could possibly come close to even paying for the slightest of your crimes, let alone the most egregious?”
At this time, an onlooker comes from the right hand side of the judge, writes out a check for the full amount. He lays it down on the bench. “I have paid this boy’s debt in full.”
The boy has choices here; he could allow his penalty to be paid by someone he doesn’t know, or he could reject the payment and spend his life in a literal hell hole. Either way, the debt must be paid. No debts are ever unpaid. This boy represents every person, in that we all break moral laws. Note that this code of morality comes from God, not from mankind.
The judge is God. He is the Judge of all. He alone is the One who gives perfect mercy or justice. He calls us to know Him, and we can either acknowledge Him and allow Him to have a relationship with us, or reject Him and pay our own debts.
The accuser is Satan. He is the very best prosecutor for our sins. He not only knows our sins, he sometimes orchestrates situations that make us decide to act immorally. He is against God and draws as many souls from God as he can.
The stranger that paid the boy’s debt is Jesus. He has paid our debts so effectively that it potentially covers everyone’s sins.
The boy could reject what Jesus paid and spend eternity in the prison. His pride could keep him from bowing down and taking a gracious gift from his loving Savior.
However, if the boy reflects on all he has done, feels deep regrets for his actions, turns from his wicked ways, thanks the judge (his father), and allows the debt to be paid in full, he is showing a heart change. He is pronounced innocent.
This is what Jesus has done for us. We all stand guilty before God. Jesus Christ took our punishment for us. Instead of writing out a check, he was crucified for our sins. He paid for our sins with His blood, signified by animal sacrifices to cover our sins over millennia.
If we refuse to allow His actions to cleanse us, would God just go ahead and grant us reprieve from our sins? No, for to do this He would be going against our will. He would be unjust, in other words. For Him to be a purely just God, He must sentence you to your own will. If separation from Him is what you ultimately want, then separation is what you will get. You cannot pay the fine, so your hell hole is forever. Annihilation is not an option.
What could you possibly do to gain the favor of the all powerful, all knowing Judge? God the Father sent His only begotten Son to die on a cross, as the perfect payment for mankind’s sins. This was foretold throughout the Bible. It was the resurrection of Jesus that promises everlasting life for those who believe when they are called.
This calling comes in many different ways. It could be from a friend or from something in nature. It could be the night sky that makes you ponder how something so wonderful could possibly exist. You may be called by a piece of music that influences you like never before. You may even understand a preacher for the first time. It could also be the point in time when you are at your absolute lowest point in your life, when you have nowhere to turn, realizing that this world cannot help you. Ask for help from the One that created it all.
However the calling may come, embrace it. When He pays your debts, it will not only change your life, it will change your eternity. There is a choice. Will you let your pride get in the way? If you do not want to be close to Him, He won’t force you into an eternal relationship with Him. That would be injustice on His part. But He is never unjust.
When you recognize and believe what Jesus did on the cross for your debts, something the Father orchestrated for all, mercy will be granted. If not, justice is your due. No debts are left unpaid.
This column may include both fiction and nonfiction, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN. Submissions can be sent to editor@pagosasun.com.
