Our Effective Advocate

Our Effective Advocate

For the Lord will plead their cause, And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.

Proverbs 22:23

The Book of Proverbs is a treasure trove of truth for everyday living. It offers sage advice, comfort, and an abundance of wisdom. Our text for today is a gem of the first order. The previous verse advises that no one should ‘rob the poor’ nor ‘oppress the afflicted.’ The reason follows. It declares that ‘the Lord will plead their cause.’ It goes on to explain that He will plunder those who plunder. We may find ourselves as the people of God in the position of being ‘poor’ and ‘afflicted.’ Lazarus, the beggar, was both, but also a righteous man. For His own glory, the Lord may permit His dearly beloved to suffer either or both of these conditions, yet He warns against adding to their hardship by doing them harm.

Here is a great comfort and a solution for us. Christ is the Great Advocate for us. By contrast to those who trust in themselves and are the oppressors of others, we may feel that we have no recourse. Our Defender is no one less than Christ Himself. He will plead our cause. How satisfying it is to our souls, to know that Christ will deal with every oppressor. He is the Effective, Enduring, Unfailing Champion of His poor and afflicted people. So take heart today, poor, afflicted Child of God. There is One who Advocates for you. He has seen you in your low condition. He knows your heart sickness and your sorrow. He will plead your cause.

Our Gracious Advocate,
We rejoice that You will
ever be the Defender of Your
poor and afflicted people.

Where the Bush is Burning
Tomm Tice