The courtroom hums with subdued voices.  

Both sides of the aisle resolved in their positions and intent.

Representatives hold evidence.

Accusations.

Testimonies.

Charges.

Alibis.

Defenses.

The weight of every charge presses me down even before they’re made.

No one needs to speak them.

I am fully aware.

In my depths I know I am guilty.

My lower self has excuses and rationalizations ready,

But still —

I know.

A dark dread drapes over me in anticipation.

If only my body could sink into this earth as my spirit already has.

To disappear, even if into the darkness of resignation and defeat.

The courtroom is silenced as the bailiff interrupts and demands,

“ALL RISE!”

Dutifully, everyone obeys.

The judge enters the room.

The rise from our seats says, 

“We respect you.”

It acknowledges our compliance to the position of authority.

Formalities follow

and time moves in dreamlike skips and spurts.

Charges and evidence mount against me.

The call to rise is summoned again, but this time only to me.

The weight of regret and shame sinks my heart even lower while my body obeys.

Every other soul remains seated.

Alone I face the truth.

Until

Another One rises.

The One who rose from choosing to go to my lowest low.

Who allowed all the weight of my offense and guilt to press Him into the darkest earth.  

He rose then and He rises now, standing beside me.

He raises his hand and addresses the Judge.

“I have taken her place.  

  I took all these charges on Myself and already served the sentence.

        I descended and I arose.  And now she can rise.

Free of all charges.”

Gasps of shock from all the spectators.

Myself.

The accuser.

Is that possible?

The judge, just and righteous, turns to me and proclaims me 

“Innocent”.

He addresses me with final words, a benediction of release and a call to rise.

“Now live worthy of the price that was paid for you.  Rise to your rightful position as free and innocent.”

The gavel drops, sealing the pronouncement,

“Court adjourned”.

It is finished.

I rise up and walk out of the court a free person.

Post script-

I’ve been participating in a writing challenge through Hope Writers. Each day this past week they’ve given a 1 word writing prompt. Today’s word was “Rise”. I am amazed at the direction the Lord took me with this piece. NOT the direction I expected to go, but I’m so thankful he did!