The Jury Is Still Out!

A defendant was on trial for murder in Oklahoma. There was strong evidence indicating guilt, but there was no corpse. In the defense’s closing statement, the lawyer, knowing that his client would probably be convicted, resorted to a trick. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you all,” the lawyer said as he looked at his watch. “Within one minute, the person presumed dead in this case will walk into this courtroom.” Then he looked toward the courtroom door. The jurors, somewhat stunned, looked on eagerly. A minute passed. Nothing happened. The silence was broken when the lawyer said, “Actually, I made up the previous statement. But you all looked on with anticipation. I, therefore, put it to you that there is reasonable doubt in this case as to whether anyone was killed and insist that you return a verdict of not guilty.” The jury, clearly confused, retired to deliberate. A few minutes later, the jury returned and gave a verdict of guilty. “But how?” inquired the lawyer. “You must have had some doubt; I saw all of you stare at the door with anticipation!” Replied the jury foreman, “Oh, we all looked with anticipation ...But your client didn’t! He knew no one was coming.”


[Romans 4:4-7] Having been convicted of murdering Botham Jean, the last thing Amber Guyger probably expected to hear at her sentencing were the words “I forgive you” from a member of the victim’s family. After reading a statement which expressed forgiveness, Jean’s brother Brandt asked the judge for permission to give Guyger a hug. The dramatic scene was recorded on video and shared throughout the world via television and internet. “I wasn’t going to say this in front of my family or anyone, but I don’t even want you to go to jail,” Brandt said. “I want the best for you, because I know that’s what Botham would want … and the best would be to give your life to Christ. I love you as a person, and I don’t wish anything bad on you.” In an era of sensationalism, exaggeration, and drama, this genuine act of selflessness and forgiveness cut through all of the political turmoil, and for one shining moment the focus was on what Christ can do in a person’s life. All of this because a Christian, even from the depths of despair, was able to forgive a person who seriously wronged them. We don’t know what domino effect this act of forgiveness will have. The judge reacted to the scene by going to her chambers and returning with a Bible, giving it to Guyger. Will Guyger turn to the Lord? That’s something that remains to be seen. But the example Brandt Jean leaves should change and encourage us all. For a moment the world was able to see true Christian forgiveness.


Christians often express a desire to have an impact on this world. Simple forgiveness will do, and it will send shockwaves throughout the world. Within popular culture today we find many who are seeking religion without rules, relationships without responsibility and life without the true presence of a changing faith. While this may constitute normalcy I shudder at the thought of how this apathetic attitude can weaken the influence of the Lord’s church. While many religious groups struggle to find broad acceptance, we must not give place to mimicking the religious fads of our day. The “jury” of this world is still out! Greater than any fads, we must possess a life altering faith that will distinguish us from the rest of the world. “By faith” (Hebrews 11), we will never find broad acceptance, because the jury we wish to compel consists of individuals who are sincerely seeking the Truth. At this moment we are gathered as clients in the courtroom of life. The jury looks on. Will our faith be so influential that we might convince them we are truly looking and longing for our Savior? After deliberations, will our verdict be read – “Not guilty”?