Read: 1 Chronicles 22:1-23:32, Romans 3:9-31, Psalm 12:1-8, Proverbs 19:13-14

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. (Romans 3:22)

Relate: I was reading up about the Trayvon Martin case and came across a Huffington Post article talking about how many churches turned this past Sunday into “Hoodie Sunday” as they shared their various messages. This sparked a couple thoughts about faith and justification that tie in well with what Paul is talking about in Romans 3.

First of all, lets just pretend in reality that George Zimmerman is as guilty as sin. I know different people have differing opinions but for the sake of argument lets just pretend that Trayvon Martin did absolutely nothing wrong and George Zimmerman was a power hungry maniac who chose to kill him out of malice. At this point it doesn’t matter. A jury handed the judge and read the verdict, “not guilty”. He is free. The only cause for recourse the Martin family has is to appeal the case to a higher court. But lets say it goes all the way to the Supreme Court and the verdict is read, “Not guilty”. George Zimmerman, no matter how wrong he might be, is not guilty. There is no more powerful judge than God, and because of our faith in Christ, He declares us “Not guilty”. End of story.

Second, when pastors and parishioners in churches all over the place were wearing hoodies this past Sunday, their own identity was hidden. By being clothed in this way they had chosen to identify with Trayvon who, they believed died an unjust death. So when others looked at these pastors and members wearing hoodies, what they were really seeing was Trayvon Martin.

React: No matter what I might believe regarding the Zimmerman case, the fact is that Jesus trial really was a farce and his execution was an injustice of cosmic proportions. He was not the one who belonged on that cross, I was. So when I chose to identify myself with Him, I am clothed with His righteousness. (Is 61:10, Rev 7:14) Therefore, when God looks at me, he doesn’t see my guilt and my sin. He sees Jesus.

My sin has been covered by His righteousness. It has been hidden by His blood. Because of this God, the greatest and most powerful Judge in the land, the Judge from whose verdict there is no appeal, declares me “Not Guilty” End of story. I am free.

Respond: 

God, I am so grateful for those three nails that have rescued me. I am so grateful that You have declared me “Not guilty”. I am so grateful that I have been clothed in garments of righteousness made white by the blood of the Lamb. There is nothing I can do. It has been done. Help me to rest and to live in the freedom You have paid at such a high price for me. There is no end to my gratitude.