We Need an Advocate

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.” 1 John 2:1 NLT

In a story published by Runner’s World earlier this week, it was reported that “Nina Kuscsik, winner of the first official women’s race at the Boston Marathon, twice winner at New York, and an important early advocate for women’s running, died on June 8 at Huntington Station, Long Island, New York. Her family said she died peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, and respiratory failure. Kuscsik was a pioneer, running Boston in 1969, before women could officially enter, and then winning the historic first women’s title in 1972. A lifelong New Yorker, in 1970 she was the first woman to enter that city’s marathon, and won it in 1972 and 1973. She was also an effective activist, taking on arduous committee work, and was personally responsible for gaining the first official approval for American women to run farther than 5 miles, and “in special cases” run marathons.”

And, you know, while Nina served as an advocate for women’s running, the Bible tells us that Jesus serves as an advocate for sinners. You see, although every believer should strive to “not sin,” we know that we will sin. And since the wages of sin (even one) is death, without “an advocate who pleads our case before the Father,” we would have no hope. Thankfully though, “Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous,” stood in the gap and reconciled us back to God by His death, burial and resurrection. Which means, every believer is granted forgiveness and eternal life through the advocacy of Jesus Christ rather than the penalty and eternal damnation their sins deserve. Does that make you want to jump for joy or what?

So, knowing that without Jesus mankind has no hope of redemption, have you placed your trust in Him my friend? If the answer is no, don’t put it off for another minute. Heaven is a real place and so is Hell—and death is not the end, only a change of address. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that even one sin creates a chasm between You and mankind that only Jesus can bridge. Help us to truly understand this Lord that we might choose to place our trust in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Advocate, before it’s too late. And if we are saved, help us to be bold in sharing the Message of Salvation with the world. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!