Big Buts of the Bible #8

This is the third in a series. The first two entries were posted on 9/8 & 9/14.

1 John 2:1
"I write this to you so that you will not sin. BUT, if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the righteous one."

You cannot read that verse and fail to recognize the importance of the word 'but'. This is a sweet blessing: while as a follower of Christ I ought to live a life consistent with my profession of faith, wherever I fall short, I have an Advocate. The Father is aware of my failure but sees me as perfect anyway, because Jesus' blood has cleansed me.

I've allowed myself to use my imagination in considering this verse. I fall. I'm sad. I'm embarrassed. I'm afraid to look my Father in the face, so my eyes fall to the floor. Jesus whispers into the Father's ear. I don't know what He says, I guess it's something like, 'remember, Darin is one of mine', although I'm sure the Father doesn't need the reminder. And when I muster the courage to glance up, I see not wrath or even disappointment in His eyes, but love. He beckons me to an embrace.