Defendant: Jesus vs Plaintiff: Satan

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:12

There are many that believe our nation is on trial. Many believe the tension we face is the need for the country to uphold its creed and back its written values.

Peter makes us aware in the 1st Chapter that there is a public trial on display each day. Not of Rome or America, but of the Kingdom of God. Each day, those who are living a life of sin are making a decision to either chart their course for righteousness or forge full steam ahead towards and approaching destruction.

The decisions they make will be based on the Defendant Case Jesus, and the Plaintiffs case Satan. We must remember that the Plaintiffs job is to accuse the defendant of crimes. This comes through false accusations and misrepresentations. And whereas the Defendant himself is of solid reputation, the Plaintiff’s job is to weaken the Defendants case by creating doubt about the strength of the character witnesses He produces. Furthermore, the Plaintiffs job is to confuse the witness and the jury. This is done by manufacturing evidence, presenting False prophets, and creating members and ministries who manipulate truth to fit an unrighteous narrative. He attempts to mare the reputation of solid witnesses by leveraging the needs of today with the shame of yesterday. He also discredits the argument by corrupting witnesses. Much like the Defendant, the adversary is able to present promises that play to the desires and ego of the listener. If he can influence witnesses by promise of popularity or prosperity, impacting their loyalty.

Our job is to be solid witnesses. We must not only live our lives close the mark set, we must respond appropriately to those who persecute and accuse us whether guilty or innocent.

Lord help us to be in control of ourselves. Help us to give you glory in our actions and in our response. Allow the Holy Spirit to Rise Up in these moments so we don’t bring shame or create doubt among those watching. Let be patient and true as we patiently wait for your return. Help us see how our actions and speech hinder your truth. In name of Jesus Amen!
© 2020 Dr. John Ogletree – Houston, TX