I was blessed to take some vacation time last week to visit some friends in Ennis. While I do not consider myself to be a “dog person,” the family dog, Buddy Bear, seems to gravitate towards me when I am there. He cuddles up next to me on the couch and follows me around, waiting for me to pet him. Most of the time, I oblige.

Sadly, Buddy has lost favor with the majority of the family members. They have simply lost interest in caring for him. My friend, Karen, is the only one in their family who advocates for Buddy. She makes sure he has food and water. She bathes him in the sink. She also scolds any of the family members if they profane his name. When my friends’ son, Caleb, speaks ill of Buddy, I simply reply that “Buddy needs another advocate.” Previously unbeknownst to me, I recently learned that Karen is the only family member whom Buddy has not bitten.

As I was preparing to come back home, I had all my luggage in my hands. As soon as I opened the door to go to my car, Buddy ran right out of the house. I threw my bags on the lawn and went after Buddy. He hadn’t gone far; he was right next door, terrorizing the dogs at the neighbors’ house. Now, Buddy is a small dog, so I thought the best way for me to get him back in the house was for me to pick him up. Boy, was I wrong! No sooner had I picked him up, he whipped his head around and chomped down on my hand. Buddy had a tight grip on my hand and didn’t seem inclined to let loose. Although I’m trying, I’m not sure Buddy still has an advocate in me. ????

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:1-2

Without Jesus as our advocate, we would all be lost! He is our only way to the Father. Christ pleads His righteousness for us before God almighty and gives us His holiness. He is our great High Priest who atones for our sins. He offers us forgiveness through the cross. God is for us!

When we sin, there is a sense of loss. Even though we still have God’s righteousness, our fellowship with Him is broken. As a perfect, sinless parent, God shows grace and unconditional love. Because Christ is our advocate, we do not have to be separated from God. Jesus advocates from His personal experience of having experienced temptation, yet being without sin. Jesus cleanses us from unrighteousness.

Buddy the dog has an advocate in my friend, Karen. Even when he is cantankerous, Karen cares for him. Buddy is blessed to have Karen as his mom. Jesus is our advocate before God the Father. He gives us the right to be called children of God (John 1:12). We have the privilege of coming before His throne and reading His Word. May we cling to our advocate, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.