Justice Called

		*Crying In the Wilderness* *Web Ministry*
Home Reference Articles/Sermons		Justice Called and Mercy Answered I heard Rev. Doug Rowland preach on this subject when he was the Pastor at Maple Ridge Baptist Church in Candler N.C. This is the Church where my friends and members of the Primitive Quartet attend and it was by them that I happened on this sermon. I will attempt to lay out this thought in my own way but must confess that it’s not my normal manner or approach. The Lord has allowed me to talk a few times on this subject so I will attempt to share what I can and pray God season it as He sees fit. When I was a small child there was a television show that came on in the afternoons and I would often watch it. Perry Mason was an attorney that while I watched never lost a case. Hamilton Burger was the District Attorney and always seemed very mean and a little scary to me as a young boy. Paul Drake was the private investigator and Della Street was Mr. Mason’s secretary or if you will staff assistant. These fictional characters were the creation of Author Erle Stanley Gardner and were my first introduction to a courtroom scene. This probably had some influence with the way this sermon played out in my mind the first time I listened to Brother Doug. When I first heard Brother Rowland preach on this it was on an audio cassette. First of all, being a “streaky-head” that already didn’t set well as we usually don’t cotton to radio or TV preaching. I was led to believe at an early age that much if not all of what was being presented as preaching on radio or TV was not to be trusted and was purely for monetary gain. Brother Rowland did not use the same style of preaching that I was accustomed to but being a fan and having confidence in the Primitive Quartet, I gave it a listen. I remember listening at first and thought well this is not exactly what I would call preaching, in fact, it is more like what Brother Maze Jackson would call supposition. I listened until almost the end when Brother Doug began to ease into what some of us call the “pomegranate patch” and the service elevated to shouting ground. I believe God used this to show me that we “streaky-heads” were not the only ones who have the anointing of the Holy Spirit and it does not have to be exactly as we do it! All that matters is if God seasons it with his Spirit. As I’ve stated in some of the other articles, if God bears witness of the message with the Holy Spirit (provided you can recognize it), you don’t have to worry about it being Biblical or interpreted correctly. Now, that we’ve gave credits to Brother Doug, let’s move into the courtroom. We’ve just entered into God’s courtroom. The presiding judge is none other than God the Father, that’s right, God Almighty! I am the defendant (or it could just as easily be you) and of course I am terrified to be in the presence of the Creator of all things to say the least. I glance across the room and see the counsel for the prosecution. He is none other than that old serpent the devil and he looks at me as if he’s already won this trial. You know that the Bible teaches us that he is the “accuser of the brethren” so he is well suited for this task. Seated at my table is my attorney. Once I see who is representing me, a great calm now sweeps over and replaces the terror for it is none other than God’s Darling Son, Jesus Christ the Righteous. The Judge asks the Prosecution and Defense if they are ready to proceed and both respond in the affirmative. The Judge then asks the Prosecutor to begin. The Prosecutor very confident opens with Your Honor, the accused “Tim Elsberry” is brought before you today on multiple counts of breaking your law. According to your own law book, if he has broken one law, he is guilty of breaking them all. James 2:10 “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” I will prove not only beyond a reasonable doubt but beyond a shadow of doubt that the defendant is guilty of transgressing your law. Though the charges seem dire and the Prosecutor confident, I’m not at all worried because I know who my Attorney is and I know His record. I look at the old Tempter and just smile. The Prosecutor begins, “Your Honor, I will now read one by one the individual charges from your law book and present irrefutable evidence against the defendant.” The Judge nods for the Prosecutor to continue. Reading from Your Honor’s Law in Exodus 20, the 2^nd and 3^rd verses read as follows: “I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” I hear this charge read and my confidence is magnified. I even begin to think that I may not even need my attorney. I know that I have never worshipped any other gods. I have not bowed my knee to Baal, Buddha, Ala, a cow, a horse or any idol. I know that I am innocent. I look over at my Attorney, He’s the Lord Jesus Christ, and this trial is not going to be a problem. The Prosecutor continues, “Your Honor, the evidence shows that Mr. Elsberry has put many gods before you. When he should have been studying Your Word (as you had Your servant Paul instruct him), or talking to You in prayer even as You Yourself tried to impress upon him, he was picking that old guitar, mandolin, banjo and all them other instruments. If it wasn’t them “stringed instruments” he would be on the internet working on his website or even sitting in front of the television. You commanded that Mr. Elsberry have not other gods before you and I submit that many times he put Mr. Martin, Mr. Gibson and Mr. Eastman which are the names of his guitars, mandolins and dobros before you and yes, the computer, the television, his family and even his job. Your Honor, Tim Elsberry is guilty!” I’m becoming a little concerned now. I had never looked at it like this. I always thought that it simply meant not worshipping other gods that I had heard about in other religions. I had never thought about the natural things that I love being gods? I look over at my Attorney and He opens not His mouth! The Prosecutor now beginning to strut with confidence goes on; “Your Honor, in the 4th, 5^th and 6^th verses of the same chapter we find; “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” A smile now crosses my face. I know that I’ve never created a graven image to worship. I haven’t never melted down gold and made a calf to worship as Aaron and the children of Israel did. I have never bowed down myself to a strange god. Everyone knows that I love the Lord so there’s no way that I can be accused of hating him. You may have made some good points on the first law but I’m not guilty of breaking these old boy! Lucifer says “I have a list here showing that every afternoon when Elsberry got in from work, he plopped down on the couch and watched Seinfeld, Friends, the News or some other show on that one-eyed graven image. He’s sitting over there thinking that he’s never created an image but that’s not what you said. You instructed that he should not make an image. It’s plain as day that he made that big-screen TV his graven image and that it showed a likeness of things in heaven above, the earth beneath and the water under the earth. He’s also thinking that he’s off the hook because he says he loves you. Your Honor, you know that you yourself instructed him that if he loved You, he would keep Your commandments and we all know that he has failed to do so. For if he had kept your commandments, he would not have made that one-eyed graven image his god nor would he have set there staring giving it more attention than he does Your servants when he is in Your house. Your Honor, Elsberry is guilty!” Man, this is not going the way that I planned! That old rascal seems to know a whole lot about me. Of course I still have my secret weapon. My Attorney is better than any that money could buy. I look over at Him and He sits silent, He opens not His mouth. That old devil strutting like a rooster in the barn yard says; “Your Honor, verse 7 states “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” It is no secret concerning the times that Elsberry has lost his temper and the things he’s said.” I just can’t stand to let this one go on any farther so I jump to my feet and plead no contest. I look over at my Attorney and see a little blood beginning to show in His hands but still He opens not His mouth! That old serpent on a roll continues. “Your Honor, in verses 8-11 you state; “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. “We have a list here showing many of your Sabbaths in which he was not in Your house. Many of them he spent working at CSX or MARTA on them railroad tracks. Some of them he even spent at a flea market where he ran into another one of your preachers and neither of them needles to say were keeping your Sabbath. It is also documented that he has gone fishing, hunting, swimming, on vacation, watched football and sometimes just laid there on the couch and did nothing. Your Honor, if I read the entire list of the times he’s failed to remember your Sabbath, this trial would last for months. Plain and simple, he’s guilty!” I’m getting a bad feeling about the way this is going. Yeah, I’ve grown discouraged a few times with the way folks seemingly didn’t want to worship when they went to Church and said I’d be better off at the flea market than to set here with them playing Church but never thought about it as violating God’s law. I look over at my Attorney and He still wont say a word. The Prosecutor goes on; “Your Honor, You know that in verse 12 you command for your children to “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Finally, I breathe a sigh of relief. He may have me on the other points but I’ll come out of this one smelling like a rose and the Judge will see that I’m not all that bad. Rev. Robert Elsberry and his wife Odell adopted me when I was just nine weeks old from an orphanage in Calhoun, Georgia. I never have forgotten what they’ve done for me and how they loved me. Though they’ve already gone on to be with the Lord, I still remember and do the things that they taught me. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about them and even though they’ve been gone for years now, the pain is still present in my heart. You may have got me on the other points you slew-footed rascal but I’m innocent of this charge. The old tempter says, “Your Honor, the record clearly shows that when Elsberry was sixteen years old, he went off with one of his friends and one of his cousins, they went to the bootlegger, bought some whiskey, got drunk and he wrecked his Parent’s new car. When they had him in the emergency room and his Dad walked in, he thought he would be smart and quickly asked his Dad to have prayer. He knows that he did this with the intent to shift the focus off of what he had done. His Dad knew it as well but still got down on his knees there in the emergency room and prayed aloud. His sweet old Mother would find the liquor that he had hid and would pour it out and beg him to quit wasting his money on that evil stuff. He was so disrespectful that he replied, “if you’d quit pouring it out, I wouldn’t have to spend as much.” Your Honor, like with the other charges, I could go on and on but what’s the use? A blind man can see that instead of honoring his Mother and Father, he disrespected them. There can be no doubt, Elsberry is guilty!” The blood is now beginning to run from the hands down onto the wrists of my Attorney and He still won’t say a word. I’m seeing this blood but not really understanding what is going on with it. Lord, don’t you see I’m in trouble here? I need help! Still, He opens not His mouth. Lucifer says; “in verse 13 you instruct “Thou shalt not kill.” I think now, this is more like it. I’ve never killed anyone. I’ve never took a knife and plunged it into a fellow human and took their life. I’ve never aimed my gun at another man and pulled the trigger. He might as well move on to another one and let this one go. Satan continues; “Your Honor, let the record show that time after time Elsberry spoke ill of his brothers and sisters running them down. He’s even spoke out against your preachers, your anointed ones that David (a man after your own heart) wouldn’t even touch. He’s said things like “if he’s a preacher the woods are full of them” and killed their influence to those who heard him. He’s killed the confidence that folks had in his brothers and sisters with that most deadly weapon known as the tongue. He’s hung around with lost people and run down your children and servants so when they would try to witness to those that were lost, they couldn’t reach them because he had already killed their confidence and influence. I know he’s sitting over there thinking that he’s never killed anyone but they way he’s run down your children, he might as well have taken a shotgun and pulled both barrels. Your Honor, Elsberry is guilty.” The blood is now flowing down the arms of my Attorney and it finally dawns on me that with each passing blow, I become guilty of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh, do I ever need His help and still He opens not His mouth. The devil continues; “Your Honor, verse 14 says “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” I hop to my feet, Your Honor, sitting right back there is JoAnn Elsberry. I’ve been married to her since 1985. She is the love of my life and I love her with all my heart. I’ve been true to her and I haven’t had anything to do with any other women since we’ve been married. Lucifer knows how I love her and I’m not just going to set back and allow him to sling these bogus charges. Satan says “Mr. Elsberry there’s another little law found in Matthew 5:28; which states “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” I look at my Attorney with the blood flowing down His arms, Lord please help me? Don’t you see I’m in trouble here? He opens not His mouth. Next comes the charge found in verse 15; “Thou shalt not steal.” I say with the exception of the candy bar I took when I was in school just to fit in with the crowd and to prove I wasn’t a chicken, I’m innocent of this charge. I hadn’t even reached the age of accountability when that took place so even by the law, I get a pass here. The accuser reminds me of the times when God impressed me to testify, witness, pray, preach, etc. and I pushed the impression aside fearing what others would think about me. He reminded me that I was more concerned with folks thinking I was “hogging” the service than I was with pleasing the Judge. He concluded that I robbed many of God’s children of blessings through my disobedience. Of course I had to listen again to words that are becoming all to familiar, “Your Honor, he’s guilty!” It’s beginning to look as though I could be found guilty on every count and yet my Attorney does not say a word! The blood continues to flow down his arms. Lucifer continued with verse 16, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Ok, this may go a little better. My Dad taught me at an early age that if I’d just tell the truth, it would go better for me. I’ve always practiced that and held myself to the highest standards there. He may have got me on the other things but this I’m not guilty of. I don’t lie! Satan goes on;” Mr. Elsberry would you care to answer how many times you’ve walked by the preacher, shook his hand and said, I enjoyed your sermon when you know full well that it didn’t have any spirit about it and you even thought when he was up that you would be better off if you were in the Braswell Mountains listening to dogs running rabbits? You know that you did this in order to keep from offending them and to stay in favor with them even though it was untrue that you enjoyed the sermon! Oh and let me remind you of that Church you were singing at when the Pastor asked you, your wife and your youngest son to come up to the front. You remember how he said that he saw a blue cloud around Joseph as he was singing and that blue represented royalty. You know that you didn’t believe that and yet you didn’t say anything. You will also remember how he tried to pray for Joseph and put his hand on Joseph’s head. You, knowing that Joseph (nor you) didn’t believe or worship in this manner, held him there and admonished him to hold his peace so you wouldn’t offend the pastor or the Church. Oh you might try to soften this up by saying you didn’t want to cause trouble in God’s house but you really know that the reason you allowed this was to protect your little singing group and their reputation. You were afraid that if you showed your “streaky-headedness” that you wouldn’t be asked back and would lose a booking! Your Honor, the record shows that Elsberry at numerous times stood by and did nothing while others talked about and ran down your faithful followers. When he knew full well they were innocent and that he should speak in their defense. Simply because he feared the majority, he allowed it to continue so it wouldn’t backfire on him. Your Honor because he did not tell the truth in order to protect someone’s feelings, when he didn’t stand against something he didn’t find backed up in your Word simply to save the reputation of his singing group, when he did not stand as others talked about and ran down your followers, he bore false witness, he’s guilty. He did so when he spoke and he did so when he was silent. My Attorney with blood flowing still remains silent. Satan says now in verse 17 you state; “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.” Your Honor, Elsberry spends hours as you know brooding that this one has that and that one has this. You’ve heard him time and time again say to his wife that he wished he could provide her with a bigger house even when she says she is totally happy with their house and she is so thankful for all You have blessed them to have. You’ve also seen how he’s coveted many of the musicians’ talents wishing he could play like them. Even with the many times that you have gave Him of Your Spirit and allowed him to reach tremendous heights while preaching and singing while Your Church shouted and rejoiced, you’ve heard him when he said I wish I could preach like so and so. I could go on but he knows he’s guilty. Lucifer says; “If it would please the court, I’d like to call a few witnesses.” The Judge nods in approval for him to proceed. He then calls my wife, JoAnn Elsberry to the stand. He asks JoAnn if she can disprove any of the statements presented during this trial. JoAnn states that I’ve been married to Tim since 1985. I do not know of another man that has tried as hard as he has to follow God’s law. He’s been good to me and to our children. He’s the same when there’s no one around as when he’s in front of a big congregation. Lucifer interrupts, “that’s not what I asked you. Let me try again, Can you Ms. Elsberry, disprove any of the statements presented during this trial, simply answer yes or no?” I can see the fear on my darlings face. She looks at me with sorrow. I nod my head at her and say, “I know you love me baby and I know what you have to answer.” My wife, my love and my best friend has no choice but to answer “I cannot disprove what has been presented.” Satan continues; “Ms. Elsberry just so the court understands, you are saying that you agree that the evidence presented at this trial is true and accurate?” My baby with tears streaming down her face looks up at the Judge. His Honor looks down and says, “Go ahead and answer his question JoAnn.” She almost chokes on her words but I already knew what the answer was; “Yes, the evidence presented is true” she replies. My oldest son Waylon is called to the stand. He’s asked can you disprove any of the statements presented. Waylon says “My Dad is a good man and so was my Granddad.” Lucifer stops him, “Well that’s wonderful Mr. Elsberry but that’s not the question. Please answer the question yes or no.” Waylon looks at me and then in a low voice says no I can’t. The Tempter says “Mr. Elsberry I understand then that you agree that the evidence presented here against your Father is true and accurate.” Waylon has no choice and replies “yes.” My daughter Jessi is called to the stand. She’s my little girl and has stood in my defense before. She’s never backed down when my integrity was challenged and has even proved that she was ready to fight in my defense. When confronted with the same question multiple times, she has no other alternative than to say she cannot disprove any of the statements made during this trial. Lucifer finding great joy in this continues, “Ms. Ray do you agree with the evidence that’s been presented?” Jessi attempts to avoid answering the question but the Prosecutor continues to ask. I look at my Attorney and want Him to enter an objection that the Prosecutor is badgering the witness but He opens not His mouth. Finally the Judge says “Jessi, you will answer the question.” Jessi says “Yes Your Honor, the evidence presented is true.” She then asks the Judge if she can make a statement. His Honor says; “Yes my child, you know that I always desire to hear from you.” Jessi says; “Thank You Your Honor, the man on trial today always been there for me. I can count on him when everything around me seems to be falling apart. If my baby is sick, it’s him that I’m going to ask to pray to you on her behalf. I’ve seen him in front of people and I’ve seen how he acts when no one is watching and he’s always proved himself to be one of the most faithful and just men that I have ever known.” Satan interjects; “Thank you Ms. Ray but let me remind the court that you did agree that all the evidence presented here against the defendant was both true and accurate, that will be all.” My baby boy Joseph is called to the stand. I may have a chance here for he’s carrying much of the same burden that I carry and understands things from my point of view. Satan starts “Mr. Elsberry, you consider yourself a streaky-head Baptist like your father, is that not so?” Joseph responds with a look of great disgust and says “That’s right, I do.” “Well Mr. Streaky Head,” this makes my blood boil and I want him to leave my boy along, “can you disagree with any of the evidence presented here?” Joseph responds, “I’ve read the end of the law book and you have too, you know where you’re going to wind up so I don’t know why you’re acting so high and mighty!” Lucifer seems to loose his cool for a moment and then regains his composure. He smiles and says, “Your Honor, it seems that I may need your help getting this one to answer the question. He appears to be a chip off the old block, you know, the apple not falling to far from the tree.” Joseph rises to his feet, I know how he feels about the devil and I’ve seen his temper before. The Judge says, “Joseph, you will sit down and answer the Prosecutor’s question.” Joseph says “sorry Your Honor, I can’t disagree with the evidence presented but if you would grant me the permission, I’d like to administer the Prosecutor a little of what he’s trying to dish out.” Though I know I’m in trouble, I can’t help but smile a little as Joseph reminds me of the Apostle Peter. The Judge looks down at Joseph and says; “Joseph you remind me of several of your predecessors and while I can appreciate your zeal, I should remind you that you are only authorized to resist him. I take it from there. You are excused.” The Judge with eyes like a flame of fire looks down at the accuser of the brethren and asks for his closing statements. Lucifer says, “Your Honor, as was stated before, Your servant James wrote in your law that even if someone kept the whole law and yet offended in one point, he is guilty of them all. We have proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Mr. Elsberry is guilty of breaking your law. Not just one count and not just one time (which would be enough) but every count and multiple times. His wife and all three of his children had to agree that all the evidence presented was accurate and true. Your Honor, your own law states that the wages of sin is death. We move that you command the demons of hell to come and bind Elsberry (in accordance with your law) and lead him off to the everlasting punishment of hell. The prosecution rests its case. The Judge with a voice like thunder asks my Attorney, “and do you have anything to say?” My Attorney slowly rises to His feet and speaks for the first time, “Your Honor, 2000 years ago I left the ivory palaces of glory and was born of a virgin. I was laid in a manger in Bethlehem which is the City of David and according to the Prophets. I didn’t come to destroy the law but I did come to fulfill it. I was carried down to Egypt that the scripture would be fulfilled “Out of Egypt have I called my Son.” I spent my childhood in Nazareth and was subject to my earthly parents again fulfilling the scriptures that I “would be called a Nazarene.” For around 33 years, I lived a sinless life. Not one spot, not one blemish can be found in my record. I was baptized by my cousin John in the river of Jordan. I healed the sick, cast out devils, opened blinded eyes, unstopped deaf ears and raised the dead. I preached the Gospel to the poor and had not where to lay my head. I went to the garden and prayed until my sweat became as great drops of blood. I was taken away, falsely accused, unfairly tried, beaten, mocked, laughed at and spat upon yet I opened not my mouth. I was crowned with thorns and arrayed with a scarlet robe. They bowed the knee and mocked me saying “Hail King of the Jews” and then they smote me with the rod they used to mock me. I was led to a hill called Calvary and nailed to an old rugged cross. They hoisted me up between the heavens and the earth and crucified between two common thieves. I thirsted and they gave me vinegar mingled with gall and when I had tasted, I would not drink. I cried out to you “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Then I cried “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” I then bowed my head and said, “It is finished. Into Thy hands I commend my Spirit’ and gave up the ghost. They pierced my side and forthwith came blood and water. They took me down and laid me in a borrowed tomb. I descended into the lower parts of the earth and preached to those spirits which were in prison. On the third day, I arose in victory with keys to death hell and the grave and became the ransom and intercessor for fallen man. I paid a debt that I did not owe! After I was risen, I was seen of above 500 witnesses, climbed up the Mount of Olives and ascended up into a cloud. I then set down on Your right hand expecting until My enemies became my footstool. While the Prosecutor did an excellent job of pointing out all the times that the defendant broke the law and while I like the witnesses must agree that the evidence presented was both true and accurate, he (as is his custom) left out one little part. He failed to mention the record also shows that on Easter Sunday night in the year 1976, Tim Elsberry of his own free will cried out to me while praying down beside his bed at his Mom and Dad’s house. Much in the same manner that Jonah did when he was in the belly of the whale and when he said “out of the belly of hell cried I.” Your Honor, I reached down into hell and took the hand of Tim Elsberry and then I reached up into heaven and took your hand and I became the mediator between him and You. Dad, you know that I’ve already died his death, I’ve already suffered his hell, I’ve already paid his debt and the defense rests His case. A great silence fell on the courtroom. Suddenly the smirk that was once so prominent on the face of the devil could not be found. The Judge with a voice like the sound of many waters and eyes as a flame of fire peered down from his perch. With a high hand and an outstretched arm He brought the gavel down and thundered “what the Son hath made free shall be free indeed!” Tim Elsberry you are a free man and I’ll go ahead and remind you of another little law we have that says you can’t be tried twice for the same crime. You’ll never have to come before this court again. Son, you’re free to go but more than that you’re free and take note that I called you son. Case dismissed and court is adjourned. I’ve been told that Perry Mason actually did lose a case on TV once. The Attorney that represented me in this trial has never lost a case. What is so amazing and wonderul is He will never lose. Perry Mason never did pay the debt for his defendants he just cast enough doubt to the jury that they could not convict his client beyond a reasonable doubt. The difference here is I was guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt and we’ve often heard of folks throwing themselves on the mercy of the court. In this case, Mercy was my Attorney. Isn’t it ironic that the one who opposes everything that is good, right and decent argued on behalf of justice. He was full of confidence and ego much like old Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason episodes and way more terrifying. He called for justice all the way through the trial and for most of the way, Mercy sat quiet. As I look back I think I understand the reason He was quiet, I was guilty. Everything that was said about me was true and there is a time for every purpose under heaven. At the appointed time, when justice called, Mercy answered! Beloved He is always on time. He does not operate on your clock or mine but make no mistake, He is always on time. Now we must all appear before the judgment seat. There is no doubt about that but how will you fair when the trail comes to you? You may be wondering when your court date will be? I can’t answer that for you other than to inform you that when the Holy Spirit convicts your heart, the trial begins. If you plead guilty and beg Mercy and now that we know who Mercy is, your trial will yield the same results as mine. If you turn Him away, the Prosecutor will be granted the verdict and sentence he asked for against me. The sentence will began to be carried out as soon as you leave the walks of this life. Please notice that I said began to be carried out as the only change that will take place in your sentence is you will be delivered from hell on the last day to stand before the Righteous Judge and hear the dreadful sentence found in Matthew 25:41;”Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels”: At this point you will be cast into a lake of fire and will burn forever. You will have a body that will feel the torments and yet you will never die. Peter said that “the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.” Paul said, “Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.” Beloved, don’t you want your sins open beforehand and going before to judgment? Don’t you want Mercy for your Attorney? Don’t you want to escape that awful place called hell? If you do then hire my Attorney now! Oh don’t worry if you have nothing to pay. He graciously accepts a broken heart and a contrite spirit. He’s even got a policy that if you will bring these two items to Him, He will in no wise turn you away. Not only was I made a free man but I was also made a child of God. I was called to serve on jury duty for the county where I reside during the week that I began writing on this thought. I witnessed several plea deals being worked out and accepted which I thought were extremely generous when compared to the charges. I’ve also heard of large settlements being awarded in some cases where great fortunes were reallocated by the courts decision. I’ve also read horror stories of innocent people being found guilty and sentenced to pay for crimes they didn’t commit. You don’t need to worry about that in this court for there are no innocent people since the scripture concludes there in none that doeth good and sinneth not. Beloved, there has never been a court in this land or any other that offered a plea bargain such as this. Not only is your slate wiped clean but you are marvelously and miraculously changed into royalty. Not only am I forgiven but now I’m an heir of God and a joint-heir with the Lord Jesus Christ! Instead of the orphan and beggar that I used to be, I’m now a son, a priest and a king. You may not be able to tell it when you look at me but you ought to see my new home. Why, it’s a mansion on a street of gold with jasper walls and pearly gates. There’s no recession or financial crisis there. I don’t really understand how He does it but I’m sure glad that He can and that He does. You can have one too, all you have to do is call on Him, ask Him, plead guilty and beg Mercy. Do not be deceived, if justice hasn’t called yet, he will. I pray that you will ask Mr. Mercy to be your Attorney to answer the charges for you. May the grace of my Attorney be with you all.

Crying In the Wilderness

Web Ministry

Justice Called and Mercy Answered

I heard Rev. Doug Rowland preach on this subject when he was the Pastor at Maple Ridge Baptist Church in Candler N.C. This is the Church where my friends and members of the Primitive Quartet attend and it was by them that I happened on this sermon.

I will attempt to lay out this thought in my own way but must confess that it’s not my normal manner or approach. The Lord has allowed me to talk a few times on this subject so I will attempt to share what I can and pray God season it as He sees fit.

When I was a small child there was a television show that came on in the afternoons and I would often watch it. Perry Mason was an attorney that while I watched never lost a case. Hamilton Burger was the District Attorney and always seemed very mean and a little scary to me as a young boy. Paul Drake was the private investigator and Della Street was Mr. Mason’s secretary or if you will staff assistant. These fictional characters were the creation of Author Erle Stanley Gardner and were my first introduction to a courtroom scene. This probably had some influence with the way this sermon played out in my mind the first time I listened to Brother Doug.

When I first heard Brother Rowland preach on this it was on an audio cassette. First of all, being a “streaky-head” that already didn’t set well as we usually don’t cotton to radio or TV preaching. I was led to believe at an early age that much if not all of what was being presented as preaching on radio or TV was not to be trusted and was purely for monetary gain.

Brother Rowland did not use the same style of preaching that I was accustomed to but being a fan and having confidence in the Primitive Quartet, I gave it a listen. I remember listening at first and thought well this is not exactly what I would call preaching, in fact, it is more like what Brother Maze Jackson would call supposition. I listened until almost the end when Brother Doug began to ease into what some of us call the “pomegranate patch” and the service elevated to shouting ground. I believe God used this to show me that we “streaky-heads” were not the only ones who have the anointing of the Holy Spirit and it does not have to be exactly as we do it! All that matters is if God seasons it with his Spirit. As I’ve stated in some of the other articles, if God bears witness of the message with the Holy Spirit (provided you can recognize it), you don’t have to worry about it being Biblical or interpreted correctly.

Now, that we’ve gave credits to Brother Doug, let’s move into the courtroom.

We’ve just entered into God’s courtroom. The presiding judge is none other than God the Father, that’s right, God Almighty! I am the defendant (or it could just as easily be you) and of course I am terrified to be in the presence of the Creator of all things to say the least. I glance across the room and see the counsel for the prosecution. He is none other than that old serpent the devil and he looks at me as if he’s already won this trial. You know that the Bible teaches us that he is the “accuser of the brethren” so he is well suited for this task. Seated at my table is my attorney. Once I see who is representing me, a great calm now sweeps over and replaces the terror for it is none other than God’s Darling Son, Jesus Christ the Righteous.

The Judge asks the Prosecution and Defense if they are ready to proceed and both respond in the affirmative. The Judge then asks the Prosecutor to begin. The Prosecutor very confident opens with Your Honor, the accused “Tim Elsberry” is brought before you today on multiple counts of breaking your law. According to your own law book, if he has broken one law, he is guilty of breaking them all. James 2:10 “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” I will prove not only beyond a reasonable doubt but beyond a shadow of doubt that the defendant is guilty of transgressing your law.

Though the charges seem dire and the Prosecutor confident, I’m not at all worried because I know who my Attorney is and I know His record. I look at the old Tempter and just smile.

The Prosecutor begins, “Your Honor, I will now read one by one the individual charges from your law book and present irrefutable evidence against the defendant.” The Judge nods for the Prosecutor to continue.

Reading from Your Honor’s Law in Exodus 20, the 2^nd and 3^rd verses read as follows: “I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” I hear this charge read and my confidence is magnified. I even begin to think that I may not even need my attorney. I know that I have never worshipped any other gods. I have not bowed my knee to Baal, Buddha, Ala, a cow, a horse or any idol. I know that I am innocent. I look over at my Attorney, He’s the Lord Jesus Christ, and this trial is not going to be a problem.

The Prosecutor continues, “Your Honor, the evidence shows that Mr. Elsberry has put many gods before you. When he should have been studying Your Word (as you had Your servant Paul instruct him), or talking to You in prayer even as You Yourself tried to impress upon him, he was picking that old guitar, mandolin, banjo and all them other instruments. If it wasn’t them “stringed instruments” he would be on the internet working on his website or even sitting in front of the television. You commanded that Mr. Elsberry have not other gods before you and I submit that many times he put Mr. Martin, Mr. Gibson and Mr. Eastman which are the names of his guitars, mandolins and dobros before you and yes, the computer, the television, his family and even his job. Your Honor, Tim Elsberry is guilty!”

I’m becoming a little concerned now. I had never looked at it like this. I always thought that it simply meant not worshipping other gods that I had heard about in other religions. I had never thought about the natural things that I love being gods? I look over at my Attorney and He opens not His mouth!

The Prosecutor now beginning to strut with confidence goes on; “Your Honor, in the 4th, 5^th and 6^th verses of the same chapter we find; “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.”

A smile now crosses my face. I know that I’ve never created a graven image to worship. I haven’t never melted down gold and made a calf to worship as Aaron and the children of Israel did. I have never bowed down myself to a strange god. Everyone knows that I love the Lord so there’s no way that I can be accused of hating him. You may have made some good points on the first law but I’m not guilty of breaking these old boy!

Lucifer says “I have a list here showing that every afternoon when Elsberry got in from work, he plopped down on the couch and watched Seinfeld, Friends, the News or some other show on that one-eyed graven image. He’s sitting over there thinking that he’s never created an image but that’s not what you said. You instructed that he should not make an image. It’s plain as day that he made that big-screen TV his graven image and that it showed a likeness of things in heaven above, the earth beneath and the water under the earth. He’s also thinking that he’s off the hook because he says he loves you. Your Honor, you know that you yourself instructed him that if he loved You, he would keep Your commandments and we all know that he has failed to do so. For if he had kept your commandments, he would not have made that one-eyed graven image his god nor would he have set there staring giving it more attention than he does Your servants when he is in Your house. Your Honor, Elsberry is guilty!”

Man, this is not going the way that I planned! That old rascal seems to know a whole lot about me. Of course I still have my secret weapon. My Attorney is better than any that money could buy. I look over at Him and He sits silent, He opens not His mouth.

That old devil strutting like a rooster in the barn yard says; “Your Honor, verse 7 states “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” It is no secret concerning the times that Elsberry has lost his temper and the things he’s said.” I just can’t stand to let this one go on any farther so I jump to my feet and plead no contest.

I look over at my Attorney and see a little blood beginning to show in His hands but still He opens not His mouth!

That old serpent on a roll continues. “Your Honor, in verses 8-11 you state; “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. “We have a list here showing many of your Sabbaths in which he was not in Your house. Many of them he spent working at CSX or MARTA on them railroad tracks. Some of them he even spent at a flea market where he ran into another one of your preachers and neither of them needles to say were keeping your Sabbath. It is also documented that he has gone fishing, hunting, swimming, on vacation, watched football and sometimes just laid there on the couch and did nothing. Your Honor, if I read the entire list of the times he’s failed to remember your Sabbath, this trial would last for months. Plain and simple, he’s guilty!”

I’m getting a bad feeling about the way this is going. Yeah, I’ve grown discouraged a few times with the way folks seemingly didn’t want to worship when they went to Church and said I’d be better off at the flea market than to set here with them playing Church but never thought about it as violating God’s law. I look over at my Attorney and He still wont say a word.

The Prosecutor goes on; “Your Honor, You know that in verse 12 you command for your children to “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Finally, I breathe a sigh of relief. He may have me on the other points but I’ll come out of this one smelling like a rose and the Judge will see that I’m not all that bad. Rev. Robert Elsberry and his wife Odell adopted me when I was just nine weeks old from an orphanage in Calhoun, Georgia. I never have forgotten what they’ve done for me and how they loved me. Though they’ve already gone on to be with the Lord, I still remember and do the things that they taught me. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about them and even though they’ve been gone for years now, the pain is still present in my heart. You may have got me on the other points you slew-footed rascal but I’m innocent of this charge.

The old tempter says, “Your Honor, the record clearly shows that when Elsberry was sixteen years old, he went off with one of his friends and one of his cousins, they went to the bootlegger, bought some whiskey, got drunk and he wrecked his Parent’s new car. When they had him in the emergency room and his Dad walked in, he thought he would be smart and quickly asked his Dad to have prayer. He knows that he did this with the intent to shift the focus off of what he had done. His Dad knew it as well but still got down on his knees there in the emergency room and prayed aloud. His sweet old Mother would find the liquor that he had hid and would pour it out and beg him to quit wasting his money on that evil stuff. He was so disrespectful that he replied, “if you’d quit pouring it out, I wouldn’t have to spend as much.” Your Honor, like with the other charges, I could go on and on but what’s the use? A blind man can see that instead of honoring his Mother and Father, he disrespected them. There can be no doubt, Elsberry is guilty!”

The blood is now beginning to run from the hands down onto the wrists of my Attorney and He still won’t say a word. I’m seeing this blood but not really understanding what is going on with it. Lord, don’t you see I’m in trouble here? I need help! Still, He opens not His mouth.

Lucifer says; “in verse 13 you instruct “Thou shalt not kill.” I think now, this is more like it. I’ve never killed anyone. I’ve never took a knife and plunged it into a fellow human and took their life. I’ve never aimed my gun at another man and pulled the trigger. He might as well move on to another one and let this one go. Satan continues; “Your Honor, let the record show that time after time Elsberry spoke ill of his brothers and sisters running them down. He’s even spoke out against your preachers, your anointed ones that David (a man after your own heart) wouldn’t even touch. He’s said things like “if he’s a preacher the woods are full of them” and killed their influence to those who heard him. He’s killed the confidence that folks had in his brothers and sisters with that most deadly weapon known as the tongue. He’s hung around with lost people and run down your children and servants so when they would try to witness to those that were lost, they couldn’t reach them because he had already killed their confidence and influence. I know he’s sitting over there thinking that he’s never killed anyone but they way he’s run down your children, he might as well have taken a shotgun and pulled both barrels. Your Honor, Elsberry is guilty.”

The blood is now flowing down the arms of my Attorney and it finally dawns on me that with each passing blow, I become guilty of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh, do I ever need His help and still He opens not His mouth.

The devil continues; “Your Honor, verse 14 says “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” I hop to my feet, Your Honor, sitting right back there is JoAnn Elsberry. I’ve been married to her since 1985. She is the love of my life and I love her with all my heart. I’ve been true to her and I haven’t had anything to do with any other women since we’ve been married. Lucifer knows how I love her and I’m not just going to set back and allow him to sling these bogus charges. Satan says “Mr. Elsberry there’s another little law found in Matthew 5:28; which states “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

I look at my Attorney with the blood flowing down His arms, Lord please help me? Don’t you see I’m in trouble here? He opens not His mouth.

Next comes the charge found in verse 15; “Thou shalt not steal.” I say with the exception of the candy bar I took when I was in school just to fit in with the crowd and to prove I wasn’t a chicken, I’m innocent of this charge. I hadn’t even reached the age of accountability when that took place so even by the law, I get a pass here. The accuser reminds me of the times when God impressed me to testify, witness, pray, preach, etc. and I pushed the impression aside fearing what others would think about me. He reminded me that I was more concerned with folks thinking I was “hogging” the service than I was with pleasing the Judge. He concluded that I robbed many of God’s children of blessings through my disobedience. Of course I had to listen again to words that are becoming all to familiar, “Your Honor, he’s guilty!”

It’s beginning to look as though I could be found guilty on every count and yet my Attorney does not say a word! The blood continues to flow down his arms.

Lucifer continued with verse 16, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Ok, this may go a little better. My Dad taught me at an early age that if I’d just tell the truth, it would go better for me. I’ve always practiced that and held myself to the highest standards there. He may have got me on the other things but this I’m not guilty of. I don’t lie!

Satan goes on;” Mr. Elsberry would you care to answer how many times you’ve walked by the preacher, shook his hand and said, I enjoyed your sermon when you know full well that it didn’t have any spirit about it and you even thought when he was up that you would be better off if you were in the Braswell Mountains listening to dogs running rabbits? You know that you did this in order to keep from offending them and to stay in favor with them even though it was untrue that you enjoyed the sermon! Oh and let me remind you of that Church you were singing at when the Pastor asked you, your wife and your youngest son to come up to the front. You remember how he said that he saw a blue cloud around Joseph as he was singing and that blue represented royalty. You know that you didn’t believe that and yet you didn’t say anything. You will also remember how he tried to pray for Joseph and put his hand on Joseph’s head. You, knowing that Joseph (nor you) didn’t believe or worship in this manner, held him there and admonished him to hold his peace so you wouldn’t offend the pastor or the Church. Oh you might try to soften this up by saying you didn’t want to cause trouble in God’s house but you really know that the reason you allowed this was to protect your little singing group and their reputation. You were afraid that if you showed your “streaky-headedness” that you wouldn’t be asked back and would lose a booking!

Your Honor, the record shows that Elsberry at numerous times stood by and did nothing while others talked about and ran down your faithful followers. When he knew full well they were innocent and that he should speak in their defense. Simply because he feared the majority, he allowed it to continue so it wouldn’t backfire on him. Your Honor because he did not tell the truth in order to protect someone’s feelings, when he didn’t stand against something he didn’t find backed up in your Word simply to save the reputation of his singing group, when he did not stand as others talked about and ran down your followers, he bore false witness, he’s guilty. He did so when he spoke and he did so when he was silent.

My Attorney with blood flowing still remains silent.

Satan says now in verse 17 you state; “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.” Your Honor, Elsberry spends hours as you know brooding that this one has that and that one has this. You’ve heard him time and time again say to his wife that he wished he could provide her with a bigger house even when she says she is totally happy with their house and she is so thankful for all You have blessed them to have. You’ve also seen how he’s coveted many of the musicians’ talents wishing he could play like them. Even with the many times that you have gave Him of Your Spirit and allowed him to reach tremendous heights while preaching and singing while Your Church shouted and rejoiced, you’ve heard him when he said I wish I could preach like so and so. I could go on but he knows he’s guilty.

Lucifer says; “If it would please the court, I’d like to call a few witnesses.” The Judge nods in approval for him to proceed.

He then calls my wife, JoAnn Elsberry to the stand. He asks JoAnn if she can disprove any of the statements presented during this trial. JoAnn states that I’ve been married to Tim since 1985. I do not know of another man that has tried as hard as he has to follow God’s law. He’s been good to me and to our children. He’s the same when there’s no one around as when he’s in front of a big congregation. Lucifer interrupts, “that’s not what I asked you. Let me try again, Can you Ms. Elsberry, disprove any of the statements presented during this trial, simply answer yes or no?” I can see the fear on my darlings face. She looks at me with sorrow. I nod my head at her and say, “I know you love me baby and I know what you have to answer.” My wife, my love and my best friend has no choice but to answer “I cannot disprove what has been presented.” Satan continues; “Ms. Elsberry just so the court understands, you are saying that you agree that the evidence presented at this trial is true and accurate?” My baby with tears streaming down her face looks up at the Judge. His Honor looks down and says, “Go ahead and answer his question JoAnn.” She almost chokes on her words but I already knew what the answer was; “Yes, the evidence presented is true” she replies.

My oldest son Waylon is called to the stand. He’s asked can you disprove any of the statements presented. Waylon says “My Dad is a good man and so was my Granddad.” Lucifer stops him, “Well that’s wonderful Mr. Elsberry but that’s not the question. Please answer the question yes or no.” Waylon looks at me and then in a low voice says no I can’t. The Tempter says “Mr. Elsberry I understand then that you agree that the evidence presented here against your Father is true and accurate.” Waylon has no choice and replies “yes.”

My daughter Jessi is called to the stand. She’s my little girl and has stood in my defense before. She’s never backed down when my integrity was challenged and has even proved that she was ready to fight in my defense. When confronted with the same question multiple times, she has no other alternative than to say she cannot disprove any of the statements made during this trial. Lucifer finding great joy in this continues, “Ms. Ray do you agree with the evidence that’s been presented?” Jessi attempts to avoid answering the question but the Prosecutor continues to ask. I look at my Attorney and want Him to enter an objection that the Prosecutor is badgering the witness but He opens not His mouth. Finally the Judge says “Jessi, you will answer the question.” Jessi says “Yes Your Honor, the evidence presented is true.” She then asks the Judge if she can make a statement. His Honor says; “Yes my child, you know that I always desire to hear from you.” Jessi says; “Thank You Your Honor, the man on trial today always been there for me. I can count on him when everything around me seems to be falling apart. If my baby is sick, it’s him that I’m going to ask to pray to you on her behalf. I’ve seen him in front of people and I’ve seen how he acts when no one is watching and he’s always proved himself to be one of the most faithful and just men that I have ever known.” Satan interjects; “Thank you Ms. Ray but let me remind the court that you did agree that all the evidence presented here against the defendant was both true and accurate, that will be all.”

My baby boy Joseph is called to the stand. I may have a chance here for he’s carrying much of the same burden that I carry and understands things from my point of view. Satan starts “Mr. Elsberry, you consider yourself a streaky-head Baptist like your father, is that not so?” Joseph responds with a look of great disgust and says “That’s right, I do.” “Well Mr. Streaky Head,” this makes my blood boil and I want him to leave my boy along, “can you disagree with any of the evidence presented here?” Joseph responds, “I’ve read the end of the law book and you have too, you know where you’re going to wind up so I don’t know why you’re acting so high and mighty!” Lucifer seems to loose his cool for a moment and then regains his composure. He smiles and says, “Your Honor, it seems that I may need your help getting this one to answer the question. He appears to be a chip off the old block, you know, the apple not falling to far from the tree.” Joseph rises to his feet, I know how he feels about the devil and I’ve seen his temper before. The Judge says, “Joseph, you will sit down and answer the Prosecutor’s question.” Joseph says “sorry Your Honor, I can’t disagree with the evidence presented but if you would grant me the permission, I’d like to administer the Prosecutor a little of what he’s trying to dish out.” Though I know I’m in trouble, I can’t help but smile a little as Joseph reminds me of the Apostle Peter. The Judge looks down at Joseph and says; “Joseph you remind me of several of your predecessors and while I can appreciate your zeal, I should remind you that you are only authorized to resist him. I take it from there. You are excused.”

The Judge with eyes like a flame of fire looks down at the accuser of the brethren and asks for his closing statements. Lucifer says, “Your Honor, as was stated before, Your servant James wrote in your law that even if someone kept the whole law and yet offended in one point, he is guilty of them all. We have proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Mr. Elsberry is guilty of breaking your law. Not just one count and not just one time (which would be enough) but every count and multiple times. His wife and all three of his children had to agree that all the evidence presented was accurate and true. Your Honor, your own law states that the wages of sin is death. We move that you command the demons of hell to come and bind Elsberry (in accordance with your law) and lead him off to the everlasting punishment of hell. The prosecution rests its case.

The Judge with a voice like thunder asks my Attorney, “and do you have anything to say?”

My Attorney slowly rises to His feet and speaks for the first time, “Your Honor, 2000 years ago I left the ivory palaces of glory and was born of a virgin. I was laid in a manger in Bethlehem which is the City of David and according to the Prophets. I didn’t come to destroy the law but I did come to fulfill it. I was carried down to Egypt that the scripture would be fulfilled “Out of Egypt have I called my Son.” I spent my childhood in Nazareth and was subject to my earthly parents again fulfilling the scriptures that I “would be called a Nazarene.” For around 33 years, I lived a sinless life. Not one spot, not one blemish can be found in my record. I was baptized by my cousin John in the river of Jordan. I healed the sick, cast out devils, opened blinded eyes, unstopped deaf ears and raised the dead. I preached the Gospel to the poor and had not where to lay my head. I went to the garden and prayed until my sweat became as great drops of blood. I was taken away, falsely accused, unfairly tried, beaten, mocked, laughed at and spat upon yet I opened not my mouth. I was crowned with thorns and arrayed with a scarlet robe. They bowed the knee and mocked me saying “Hail King of the Jews” and then they smote me with the rod they used to mock me. I was led to a hill called Calvary and nailed to an old rugged cross. They hoisted me up between the heavens and the earth and crucified between two common thieves. I thirsted and they gave me vinegar mingled with gall and when I had tasted, I would not drink. I cried out to you “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Then I cried “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” I then bowed my head and said, “It is finished. Into Thy hands I commend my Spirit’ and gave up the ghost. They pierced my side and forthwith came blood and water. They took me down and laid me in a borrowed tomb. I descended into the lower parts of the earth and preached to those spirits which were in prison. On the third day, I arose in victory with keys to death hell and the grave and became the ransom and intercessor for fallen man. I paid a debt that I did not owe! After I was risen, I was seen of above 500 witnesses, climbed up the Mount of Olives and ascended up into a cloud. I then set down on Your right hand expecting until My enemies became my footstool.

While the Prosecutor did an excellent job of pointing out all the times that the defendant broke the law and while I like the witnesses must agree that the evidence presented was both true and accurate, he (as is his custom) left out one little part. He failed to mention the record also shows that on Easter Sunday night in the year 1976, Tim Elsberry of his own free will cried out to me while praying down beside his bed at his Mom and Dad’s house. Much in the same manner that Jonah did when he was in the belly of the whale and when he said “out of the belly of hell cried I.” Your Honor, I reached down into hell and took the hand of Tim Elsberry and then I reached up into heaven and took your hand and I became the mediator between him and You. Dad, you know that I’ve already died his death, I’ve already suffered his hell, I’ve already paid his debt and the defense rests His case.

A great silence fell on the courtroom. Suddenly the smirk that was once so prominent on the face of the devil could not be found. The Judge with a voice like the sound of many waters and eyes as a flame of fire peered down from his perch. With a high hand and an outstretched arm He brought the gavel down and thundered “what the Son hath made free shall be free indeed!” Tim Elsberry you are a free man and I’ll go ahead and remind you of another little law we have that says you can’t be tried twice for the same crime. You’ll never have to come before this court again. Son, you’re free to go but more than that you’re free and take note that I called you son. Case dismissed and court is adjourned.

I’ve been told that Perry Mason actually did lose a case on TV once. The Attorney that represented me in this trial has never lost a case. What is so amazing and wonderul is He will never lose. Perry Mason never did pay the debt for his defendants he just cast enough doubt to the jury that they could not convict his client beyond a reasonable doubt. The difference here is I was guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt and we’ve often heard of folks throwing themselves on the mercy of the court. In this case, Mercy was my Attorney. Isn’t it ironic that the one who opposes everything that is good, right and decent argued on behalf of justice. He was full of confidence and ego much like old Hamilton Burger in the Perry Mason episodes and way more terrifying. He called for justice all the way through the trial and for most of the way, Mercy sat quiet. As I look back I think I understand the reason He was quiet, I was guilty. Everything that was said about me was true and there is a time for every purpose under heaven. At the appointed time, when justice called, Mercy answered! Beloved He is always on time. He does not operate on your clock or mine but make no mistake, He is always on time.

Now we must all appear before the judgment seat. There is no doubt about that but how will you fair when the trail comes to you? You may be wondering when your court date will be? I can’t answer that for you other than to inform you that when the Holy Spirit convicts your heart, the trial begins. If you plead guilty and beg Mercy and now that we know who Mercy is, your trial will yield the same results as mine. If you turn Him away, the Prosecutor will be granted the verdict and sentence he asked for against me. The sentence will began to be carried out as soon as you leave the walks of this life. Please notice that I said began to be carried out as the only change that will take place in your sentence is you will be delivered from hell on the last day to stand before the Righteous Judge and hear the dreadful sentence found in Matthew 25:41;”Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels”: At this point you will be cast into a lake of fire and will burn forever. You will have a body that will feel the torments and yet you will never die.

Peter said that “the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.” Paul said, “Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.” Beloved, don’t you want your sins open beforehand and going before to judgment? Don’t you want Mercy for your Attorney? Don’t you want to escape that awful place called hell? If you do then hire my Attorney now! Oh don’t worry if you have nothing to pay. He graciously accepts a broken heart and a contrite spirit. He’s even got a policy that if you will bring these two items to Him, He will in no wise turn you away. Not only was I made a free man but I was also made a child of God.

I was called to serve on jury duty for the county where I reside during the week that I began writing on this thought. I witnessed several plea deals being worked out and accepted which I thought were extremely generous when compared to the charges. I’ve also heard of large settlements being awarded in some cases where great fortunes were reallocated by the courts decision. I’ve also read horror stories of innocent people being found guilty and sentenced to pay for crimes they didn’t commit. You don’t need to worry about that in this court for there are no innocent people since the scripture concludes there in none that doeth good and sinneth not.

Beloved, there has never been a court in this land or any other that offered a plea bargain such as this. Not only is your slate wiped clean but you are marvelously and miraculously changed into royalty. Not only am I forgiven but now I’m an heir of God and a joint-heir with the Lord Jesus Christ! Instead of the orphan and beggar that I used to be, I’m now a son, a priest and a king. You may not be able to tell it when you look at me but you ought to see my new home. Why, it’s a mansion on a street of gold with jasper walls and pearly gates. There’s no recession or financial crisis there. I don’t really understand how He does it but I’m sure glad that He can and that He does. You can have one too, all you have to do is call on Him, ask Him, plead guilty and beg Mercy. Do not be deceived, if justice hasn’t called yet, he will. I pray that you will ask Mr. Mercy to be your Attorney to answer the charges for you.

May the grace of my Attorney be with you all.