Matlock!

A few years ago my wife and I splurged and purchased a new flat screen HD TV.  Once I had it set up, I immediately upgraded our satellite TV service to HD and added a DVR.  The additional cost of that devise was probably one of the best investments I have ever made!  Now, with the exception of live Sporting events, just about everything we watch is recorded which affords us the convenience of viewing the programs we want to watch at the choice of a time that is best for us, and without commercial interruption!

One of those programs that we have started to record is the old TV series Matlock starring Andy Griffith.  This weekly program which originally ran from 1986 – 1995 is now playing daily re-runs on the Hallmark Movie Channel.  The only problem is that it airs between 3:00 and 6:00 AM!  Therefore the DVR proves its worth again.

In the show, Griffith’s character is a folksy but brilliant defense lawyer.  His knowledge of the law, case investigations and shrewd courtroom techniques always work for the acquittal of his clients.  Many times during the questioning of witnesses by the Prosecution, Matlock will abruptly stop the proceedings and call out loudly to the presiding Judge: “Objection!  Relevance?” and most times the Judge will reply “Sustained” causing the Prosecuting attorney to stop or change the course of his or her line of questioning.

The pictures of these court room events instantly came to my mind this morning as I studied from the last portion of Hebrews 1:3.  Here the writer of Hebrews states, “… After he (Jesus) had cleansed the people (you and me!) from their sins, he received the highest position, the one next to the Father in heaven.” (God’s Word ©)

One of the many revelations I received in Bible School was the understanding of the legal ramifications of Jesus’ atonement for our sins.  Jesus’ actions in His death, burial, resurrection and ascension established a legally binding precedent in the courtrooms of the universe for every Christian!  A legal precedent is defined by the Online Free Dictionary as an “authoritative principle of law, a controlling law.”  It is the legal rule by which Christians are judged by.  Now, when the enemy of our souls attempts to accuse us and tries to submit an argument based on our past or current short-comings, our personal Defense Attorney, the Holy Spirit, stands and shouts out: “Objection!  Relevance?” and our loving heavenly Father, who just happens to reign as Judge, simple replies “Sustained!”  With that, our accuser knowing that he has to back down, submits to the Judge’s ruling and stands quietly with a defeated look on his face as the Judge bangs His gavel and declares: “Case Dismissed!”

Sounds simple doesn’t it?  Well that’s the way He designed it!  It is an open and shut case!  You and I are legally set free from the accusations and convictions of the accuser.  Romans 8:2 confirms this by stating: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Lexham English Bible)

Remember, we have the Holy Spirit as our attorney who is looking out for us 24/7!  In the original Greek He was called the "Paraclete" which is a legal term.  He is the “one who pleads another’s cause before a judge.” (Robert’s Word Pictures)  I guess you could call Him your personal Matlock!  And He’s not just the best Defense Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia, He’s the best in the universe!

So, go out and enjoy your weekend knowing that your Defense Attorney’s got your back in every situation.  Go forth in a new-found freedom, know your legal rights and live without fear of false accusations!  Have a great weekend.  Stay in tune to His Word and keep asking yourself… “What OBJECTIONS am I expecting my attorney to make for my case today?”