HOW DO YOU DETERMINE YOUR MOST RELIABLE ADVOCATE?

SCRIPTURE:
Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which 
are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe 
that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may 
have life in his name.
(John 20:30-31)

MEDITATION:
If two lawyers promised they would get you acquitted from a crime, 
how would you decide which one to choose to represent you?
First of all you would probably 
talk to people who know them and ask their opinions.
You would like to know which one they thought was trustworthy.
Then, you might review the verdicts in the cases they both represented 
in order to determine which one was the most successful.
Lastly, you might see which one has the best record of defending cases like yours.

In our world today, we have many who claim to be our advocate for everlasting life.
Each one makes promises, but only One is qualified to fulfill that promise.
If we research, we will discover that only One has existed for a long time;
the others appeared long after He did.
So, longevity would lead us to favor one over the others.

We also need evidence of 
which ones are currently living eternally with our Heavenly Father.
How can we determine that?
We have to rely on information provided by the advocates themselves, 
and proof that has been witnessed by others.
When others have witnessed the appearance of One after he died, 
we would lean toward that advocate.

Lastly, we would have to assume that if they are going to be our advocate 
to the God of the universe, then more than likely 
they have some special abilities for performing miracles.
Again, we need to rely on the information of others to help us make our choice.

We can research all we want to, 
but only One “performed many signs” in the presence of others.
How do we know? 
Because it is recorded in a book of records (Bible) that has survived 
longer than any of the records of other so-called heavenly advocates.
This is the reason that God’s Word 
was written – so that we would have a record of our advocate Jesus.

We are given information about 
the great sacrifice He made to get us acquitted of our sinful deeds.
We are also given information from witnesses of how He was crucified, 
but reappeared and was seen by many after He was buried and resurrected.
We are also given information from witnesses 
of the miracles He performed while He walked the earth in human form.

We can believe in Jesus, because He gave His life to get us acquitted from 
punishment; He died, rose again and was seen by others; and He performed 
many miracles while He walked the earth (including bringing someone back 
from the dead).
No other so-called advocate can be trusted like Jesus can!

ACTION:
Who have you chosen as your advocate for guaranteeing your eternal life?
Hopefully you have not fallen for the lies of any of the ones who “claim” 
to offer you eternal happiness but cannot be proven worthy of that capability.
Not only that, none of them have given their lives to ensure your eternal life.
Only Jesus is the One in whom we can place our faith and trust.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your plan of redemption for mankind.
Without Your plan, I would be doomed to an eternal separation from You.
Thank You for Your Word that assures me that I am wise to believe in and 
put my faith in Your Son, Jesus. As I read Your Word, Your truth shines 
through and illuminates a dark world. Jesus, thank You for making the painful 
sacrifice so that I can have the opportunity for have eternal life. What a God!
What a Savior! What a plan! What a Bible that gives me confidence and 
assurance that Jesus is who He claims to be, and that He is with the Father 
right now as my advocate!”