An Advocate

It's nice to have an advocate. Someone who will go to bat for you and has your best interests in mind. Jesus (and His helper angels) are a source of advocacy for us. There is a song that has been rolling around in my head that paints that picture perfectly. Here it is:

Before the Throne of God Above (originally titled "Advocate")
by Charitie Lees Bancroft

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea;
A great High Priest, whose Name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart;
I know that while with God He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

Although this is just part of the song, it is powerful. You or I may never know a President or a Supreme Court Justice, but we have someone who is greater than all of them combined. The best part is, He hears our plea and takes it to the One who has the authority to do something. 

My great uncle was a Marine in WWII. He had a tatoo when it was considered manly or strong. I really don't remember what it said but let's say it said, "MOM" in a heart. That would be very endearing, showing how much he loved his mom that he had a permanent mark on his arm with her name. How endearing that our names are written, graven on His hands. As a reminder of His love and affection for us. I'd rather have an advocate who went to the pains to put my name on his body than to have one who was just doing a job for a paycheck.

How great that this Advocate wants to hear everyone's plea (a request made in an urgent or emotional manner such as a convict). How awesome that His name isn't "Tomorrow" or "Hateful." His name is "Love." That's what I want. Someone named Love, who embodies the meaning of the word to advocate on my behalf.

Here's another tidbit to chew on found in Hebrews 4:14-16:
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

I like how in verse 14 it says, "ascended into heaven". Angels ascend and descend into heaven and down to earth. How comforting all around. We like being in the angel business and helping you realize you can have some divine advocates. All you have to do is ask.

#advocate  #angels  #Jesus #angelwatchingoverme #whereisyourangel