We have an advocate...

1 John 2:1-2(NRSV)

2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; ² and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Looking around our lives, communities, nation and international relationships there is a fair question to be asked: ‘is there a truth that can bring unity and peace?’ From our internal lives to our global relationships conflict of interests seems to undermine our best efforts to live lives honouring each other. Having run out of options and trusted solutions we appear to have retreated behind a barrier of self-survival perhaps hoping that tomorrow or some other time will find people in a better place where we will be able to settle our differences peacefully and in mutual respect. Deep down we look forward to a time when our own short comings and those of others might be dealt with in humility and with understanding.  We have been meeting our needs our own way and we are caught in a compulsive cycle that needs a compassionate understanding and empowerment to change. If we were only given the chance to change we too could perhaps offer the same compassion and empowerment to others without judgement. We could begin to let go of our old values, attitudes and beliefs that drive us towards internal and external conflict and embrace a new identity of peacemaker both within ourselves and between each other.  The good news is this; there is a Truth that we can unite around. This Truth will instantaneously free us from condemnation of self and others. It’s not just mutual forgiveness that’s on offer but a way of life that empowers us to live lives of peace-making.  Peace will take time to grow but peace-making can begin immediately. In the cosmic courtroom the Righteous Judge (Heb 12:23) has two opposing testimonies being presented. On the one hand there is the accuser (Zech 3:1, Job 1:9-11), and the defence Advocate, Jesus in our passage above. Jesus has paid the price at the cross for all of us meeting our needs in a compulsive cycle of self-interest. There was enough blood spilt at the cross; there is no need or justification for spilling anymore.  We all stand accused by the powers that rage against peace but we are being given an opportunity to accept and to offer forgiveness and reconciliation. We have an opportunity we thought we would never have to learn a new way of life of peace-making. The Truth is, we can recover the humanity we were always meant live out but it begins by asking for forgiveness and offering forgiveness on the basis that Jesus has made the way of peace-making open to us all. The word disciple means learner; all of Jesus followers are learners but we are also practitioners. As disciples we must faithfully follow Jesus by learning peace-making and practicing peace-making. We cannot be acquitted from the accusers charge without making peace with God and with each other.