I went to court today as a support person for the young girl living with us. I think I was more afraid than she was. There were a few things observed.

1. The majority of those being charged, by their own admission presented themselves in a way that communicated their lack of respect for the judicial system in which they live under.

2. One lady, a regular attendee as support for her own children actually described court as being ‘fun’.

3. A young lad, one of the first I met when I moved to Moree sat beside me. I’ve always felt intimidated by him especially since the day he threatened to throw rocks at us while holding a golf club. His father is a force to be reckoned with. Kleptomaniac. Everytime he would visit us at the Neighbourhood Centre it kept me in prayer centred around asking for protection. He once stole teabags from us, you could see the tags hanging out his pockets. Anyway, this young lad came and sat beside me. We had a chat for about 1/2 an hour. He has a 1 year old son, hasnt been in trouble with the law for a while now – he assured me todays charge was just a small slip up. I told him his sister now comes to sunday school and needs a brother she can look up to. He grinned. He asked about Pauls family and what each of the brothers were up to. My motherly heart just wanted to envelope him with a hug. In that moment I felt safe.

But the most impacting observation was the courtroom itself. We were in there for 4 minutes. It probably would have been quicker had I of sat in the right place the first time, not the second or third!

I was caused to reflect on what it is going to be like to stand before God, all my sins laid bare, ready for judgement. God on His Majestic Throne, the Holy Spirit as my Support Person/comforter and Jesus – ready, waiting and willing to take my place. This thought was convicting.

Do I walk with this conviction each day?, or do I adorn my day shabily, showing little respect for the Authority of whose world I am living in? Do I go about life with the attitude of ‘fun’ without no real consideration for the fallen world I live in, and the consequences that ensue? I cant begin to imagine sitting there, looking at Jesus while my list of sin is read out, knowing that in a moment Jesus will recieve the punishment for my sin, while I go free – for Eternity.

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart;
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin.

Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,
Risen Son of God!

Behold Him there, the Risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!

One with Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God