The Advocate

I am writing an article about the state not honoring a private property contract. The individual is terribly frustrated, after fighting the state for 40 years to honor what certainly appears to be a cut and dry issue of a valid contractual agreement. He keeps being shuffled about to various officials and departments, and no one seems willing or able to solve a very simple request: honor the valid, signed contract.

I wrote the article and then contacted the state government to be sure I had a balanced account of the issue. The first official refused, albeit politely, to speak to me, since I was "the press". He gave me a number for the "public relations" department, who he said deals with that sort of thing. It turned out to be the Attorney General's office, who said because a lawsuit hadn't been filed, they couldn't comment on the issue. I told them the individual didn't want to sue, just wanted to settle a pretty straightforward issue amicably. They responded that they couldn't comment on behalf of the state. I asked them, who could? They didn't answer.

I share the same frustration now as the individual I am writing about! It is not a complicated issue. The state signed a contract, and appears not to have abided by the terms it agreed to. The individual just wants them to do what they are contractually bound to do. It is not difficult, and in the grand scheme of state affairs, not a big deal or expensive proposition. But even more importantly, the contract was signed and agreed upon by both parties. The individual has every right to expect that it would be honored.

The individual feels betrayed. His family entered the contract in good faith, giving a generous gift to the state. But as often happens, the less powerful are often at the mercy of those with power. This is not new. It has happened since time began. Isaiah cries out with a similar complaint in chapter 33 of the book of Isaiah in the Bible. He warns Assyria that while her power has allowed her to destroy, and betray the people of God, there will come a day when the destroyer will herself be destroyed; the betrayer herself betrayed.

In an expanded sense, what we dish out to others will ultimately fall back upon our own heads. Better to act with integrity, kindness, and justice towards others even when it hurts. If we desire justice, we should certainly be just to others. And if we wish for an advocate to present our case when we are in need, we should likewise be advocates for those who cannot advocate for themselves. (immediately the unborn come to my mind...)

Justice is no little thing. It was the need for justice that required sin be punished. If there were no divine requirement for justice, Jesus would not have needed to die. Through all the hateful manifestations and consequences of sin, we do have an advocate who accepts the punishment we deserve, and pleads our case before God through an incomprehensible sacrifice. The penalty for sin must be paid. Jesus understood that. Justice matters. When others act unjustly towards us, we feel how much it matters in the core of our being.

I'm hoping in the end the state will do the right thing. At the very least, I was hoping someone would call me back and let me know contracts and justice mattered to them, and they would look into it! And then, unexpectedly, one official did call back yesterday. After listening patiently to me for quite some time, he finally seemed to understand, and even perhaps, agree. He told me he would be an advocate for a speedy resolution and to be sure the individual's case would come before the appropriate person. Praise God for advocates.

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And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. (John 14:16-18 NIV)

You defeated my people. Now you're in for trouble! You've never been destroyed, but you will be destroyed; you've never been betrayed, but you will be betrayed. When you have finished destroying and betraying, you will be destroyed and betrayed in return. (Isaiah 33:1 CEVDCUS06)

Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. (Job 16:19 NIV)



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