And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; — Revelation 20:12

Yesterday, I saw a picture of what it will be like when we stand before the Lord on Judgment Day.  My boy had a car accident back in August that was his fault.  His court date loomed along with a $232 fine.  He had the money ready, along with his paperwork, and we entered the building.  Before we entered the building, there was a girl and her dad about to go inside as well.  We could have easily jumped in front of them, but we held the door and let them go first.

The poor girl’s “trial” was a train wreck.  She told the officer that she was there to provide proof of insurance and registration.  I guess she didn’t have either when she initially got pulled over.  He said, “That’s all good . . . what are you going to do about this speeding ticket?”  She said, “Well, when I got pulled over, I was going the same speed as everyone else.”  I just cringed at the horrible defense.  The officer said, “Well, that may be true, but you got pulled over and got the ticket . . . what do you want to do?”  She said, “I guess I’ll pay the fine since I did it.”  She and her dad scrounged for the exact amount of cash to pay the fine.

Now it was our turn.

Without going into details, the officer was reminded of the details and whereabouts of the accident.  My boy simply had a conversation with the officer.  I mentioned that he was a much better and safer driver since the accident.  It was also brought up that he pretty much only drives to school and to work.  He asked about work.  My son told him all about his job.  He asked him how many hours he works a week.  “About 12 to 15,” he said.  “Wow, this fine is a couple weeks’ worth of work for you, huh?”  “Yes, sir.” 

The officer dropped the whole thing and let my son completely off the hook.

Immediately, I thought of Heaven’s courtroom.  I thought of how many people are going to use the “I was no worse than anyone else” defense.  I thought of Romans 3:23, “The wages of sin is death.”  We’ve all sinned, and we are all going to God’s courtroom.  It is appointed unto man once to die, and afterwards to face judgment.  (Hebrews 9:27)

What will be my defense?

I hope it is a simple conversation like that of my son and the officer.  The charges of my sins, which are many, will be brought to light.  In no way will I defend myself or justify my actions.  I will simply say, “Nothing has changed my life more than realizing that I am a sinner on my way to hell.  I received the gift of salvation and Jesus has worked in my heart, transformed my mind, and changed my life on Earth as I sought Him, followed Him, and believed His Word.  I stand completely at His mercy.” 

He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.  – 1 John 5:12

Lord, things have been really crazy these last couple of months.  I have certainly seen the fragility of life.  As much as I think sometimes that I’d like to control my own life, I realize that the best thing I can do is hand control over to You.  This life is so short . . . I’ve already lived 49 years and they seem but a vapor.  I imagine that it will seem but just a little more time and it will be my turn to stand before You.  May You, the Lord Jesus Christ, be my defense . . . my only defense!  Thank You for helping me come to know You over these last 30 or so years of my life.  I sure don’t ever want to do life without You.  I offer up a prayer for those who are trying to do life without You.  May You reveal Yourself to them and let them know that You are for them.  Work in their hearts and minds like You have worked in mine.  You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and there is no close second place!  I love You, Lord.  Amen.