Court Date

I am posting this for Carol B., there is only one way my friend. “How do you plead?” he shouted and stared. I was startled and dazed, alone, cold, and scared. My mind was confused and starting to race. What are these charges I now seem to face? Last thing I remember, was hitting my head. Maybe that’s it, I thought, maybe, I’m dead. It was difficult to orient myself to the room, giving off an impending deep feeling of doom. A husky voice bellowed, “Do you have a plea?” I didn’t understand what was happening to me. “It’s a simple little question. I’ll ask once again. In the life you were given, were you guilty of sin?” I was seeking composure, unsure what to do. I stammered confessing, “There have been a few.” He began to unravel a lengthy white scroll. As he scanned down the pages, I saw his eyes roll. I wanted to speak, not knowing if I should. Then, “Guilty as charged!” as gavel struck wood. “But wait” I objected, “That doesn’t make sense. Have I no opportunity to mount a defense? I have made mistakes like your document reads, but I’ve given my time, done many good deeds.” He gave me a nod, but proclaimed, “It’s too late! The presence of sin cannot pass through the gate. The works you have done are not up for review. Our directive is simple, who gets to go through. Your sentence is death!” he proceeded to say. “How will you resolve this debt you must pay?” I felt my knees buckle as I dropped to the floor. A light started glowing like I’ve not seen before. A resounding voice then began to cascade. “By the blood of the lamb, his debt has been paid! For, he hath proclaimed his faith in the Son. So written in the Word, now let it be done.” That gavel slammed down an ear-popping sound. “In light of the evidence that now has been found, with debts all paid up and a life free of sin …, well done faithful servant, you may now enter in.” As a door opened up, light shown on my bed. My wife said, “Wake up! I know you’re not dead.”