“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).

James blew the candles out on his birthday dessert. His co-partners in the well-known law firm were celebrating their senior partner’s sixty-fifth birthday. It was a special time in the practice as James had announced his retirement that would take place in six months. As their hilarious singing of “Happy Birthday to you” concluded and the little smoke from the extinguished candle wafted in the air, one of the partners shouted to him, “Speech, Jim. Speech! Say something, sir!”

James replied, “I’m glad that the success of our practice didn’t depend on your singing!” Each of the partners laughed and agreed with him. Then he spoke seriously to his friends of the blessings he experienced of practicing law with them. He spoke briefly of several of their greatest successes. Then he spoke tenderly about the Lord being his great defense attorney, his Advocate. What a great conversation he had with his partners that day. Aren’t you glad that you have such an Advocate? He not only represents us. He loves us and paid the penalty. Wow! What an amazing Lord.

What a wonderful privilege: I don’t want to sin. But when I do, I can confess it and rest assured that my Advocate is none other than my amazing Savior.