Guilty Until Proven Innocent

I find myself reflecting in the last couple of days on a court case that had become forefront in the media over the last 3 years or so. And even more so in the last month.  Not one to be to interested in the affairs of the world around us, without newspaper or television, I found myself in the throng of thousands of other Americans drawn into the drama of a little girl that was murdered and her mother accused of the crime.  Mesmerized by CNN's live stream media coverage, I more often than not, found myself in front of the computer screen watching as witness after witness was called to the front of the courtroom to testify to all kinds of information.  There was the mother's own parents and friends testifying to what kind of parent she was.  There were the experts testifying in their field of expertise on the subject of DNA, forensic science, psychiatric issues, and a number of  other specialties.   There were the police officers and detectives that worked so hard to figure out the whereabouts of this little girl and what or what not had happened.  And then there were the lawyers... both prosecuting and defense who plead their cases on behalf of this mother and her child...one saying that she was guilty of the murder of her child and the other saying she was a victim of her own childhood.  

In the end and after hours and hours of time and taxpayers money, a verdict was finally reached by a jury of twelve men and women. 

As the verdict was read, I found myself praying to God that this mother would be found guilty of this horrible crime...a action that not many can even think about very long without becoming ill...let alone commit. It would bring some sort of justice to this sweet little girl.  I know that we live in a country that it must prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" of the guilt of a human life, but in my heart it was already decided. 

As the outcome was called out: Not Guilty

                Not Guilty 

Not Guilty 

I shuddered to think of what this means in this country.  The perfect murder had just been committed and a jury had condoned it.  

After feelings of anger, sadness, frustration, to name a few had passed... I found myself contemplating the reality of this Guilty/ Not Guilty verdict in my own life. 

Jesus died for my own sinful self...and until I was covered in His blood I was a very, very guilty person.  His blood and His blood alone has proved my innocence and has proved it "beyond a reasonable doubt"! It is finished! 

How was I (or you)  in my sin before this saving blood of our Savior covered me, any different than Miss Casey  Anthony?  

Answer: No difference! 

But I didn't more than likely kill someone?! 

Ahhh....but I did! Some 2000 years + ago on a place called Calvary!

But that is different we didn't really kill Him! 

No...not in the physical form, we left that to His enemies of the day.  Our sin is what killed Him and He had to die...why....because He loved us!  

So than who am I to cast a stone....(my arm just can't quite send it spinning into the air,thank goodness)!  

Do I think that this mother killed her precious baby girl?

Yes, my mama's heart is sure of it! 

Do I think that Jesus loves this mother and could save her from this sin? 

My answer has to be "Yes". 

If He forgave me  mine....than He to can forgive Casey Anthony! 

Do I think she deserve this grace? 

No! 

Do I?

No! 

Father, forgive me if have judged to harshly and remind me that I am free....only because of Your Love! 

In the words of a contemporary music artist:

"One day, God will pour out justice on Casey Anthony. Or Christ will bear it for her. And so it is with all of us." 

Until then may we all strive to live more like Jesus, not casting stones or calling names, but loving like He does! 

Rest in Peace, Sweet Angel Baby!