The Ballestero Blog

The Defense Never Rests

After the State has presented its charges against the defendant in a court of law, it signifies to the judge that it is finished by saying in open court, “The State rests.”

The Defense Attorney then begins to present a defense for his client, which hopefully will offer reasonable doubt to the mind of the jury. When the Defense has exhausted its resources and explanations, it too announces in similar manner, “The Defense rests.”

When the Defense rests, there is not much more to be said on behalf of the accused. The trial is about over. The defendant’s life is ready to be handed over to the jury.

My Father’s Funeral Sermon

The eloquent and ‘adopted’ other son of the late Carl J. Ballestero’s family, is Bro. A.W. Buie Jr. He was deeply loved by my Father. Bro. Bill Buie showered Dad with great honor and affection. At my Father’s funeral in September of 1994, Bro Buie brought me to tears as he preached one of the most beautiful messages I have ever heard. He entitled the funeral sermon, “The Defense Rests.”

Pastors and preachers are but mere mortals. Their life span is measured out on heaven’s Time-Line and no one can lengthen it. There are only so many sermons a man can preach as he reaches for the lost and hurting before he dies. His hope of seeing mercy for the guilty is limited only by his short life. Although they died, hope has not died with them.

There Is One Defense Attorney Who Is Not Dead, And He Never Rests.

• He NEVER quits,
• He never gives in,
• He never gives up.

Jesus Is The Advocate  (Defense Attorney)

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

• An Advocate is a Defense Attorney. Jesus is our Defense Attorney.

He Makes Daily Intercession For Us.

Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

• Notice the progressive verb ending, ‘eth’ on maketh. That means Jesus Christ will never stop making intercession for us.

Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Simply put, The Lord Jesus is our Defense Attorney. That’s what the Cross was all about. From the moment He spoke the words, “Father forgive them,” He officially became our Advocate.

Believe the Word of God.

The Lord has not, and will not give up on us. No matter what the charges are against us, may our hearts have peace knowing that if we sin, we have a Defense Attorney that won’t give up on us.

What Is The Price Of His Retainer?

Repentance. If we are willing to repent, then this blessed opportunity is waiting for us. We must not stop until we have fully obeyed Acts 2:38, just like all of the New Testament church believers did.

Don’t give up on yourself. You’ve got the best Defense Attorney in the world!

He ever liveth to make intercession for you!