A young woman sat in the courtroom, nervously awaiting the hearing for her vandalism case. She was at the biggest crossroad her life had ever encountered, alone and absolutely terrified.
She had heard what seemed to be conflicting views about this judge. Some proclaimed he was severe, always exacting justice. Others insisted he was very kind and merciful. Regardless, she knew her fate was in his hands, and all the evidence was stacked against her. She was guilty of the crime with which she had been charged.
Her mind raced as her name was called. The judge told her he had already reviewed the security footage, and asked if she had anything to say in her own defense. Hands shaking, voice cracking, she managed to speak. “No, Your Honor. I’m the one who broke the fence. I don’t know why I did it. But I’m really not that bad of a person, compared to others. And I’ve been told you’re nice, so I hope you’ll let me off with just a warning.”
“Justice demands that the debt be paid!” the authority figure boomed sternly. “Repairing that fence cost a king’s ransom, and the owner is extremely unhappy that it was destroyed. The fact that others have done worse things than you has no bearing whatsoever on the consequence of this crime.”
Horror overwhelmed the woman’s soul as she realized she would have to slave many lifetimes to pay for the damage she had done. The gravity of how she wasn’t as innocent in life as she had first thought began to set in. Her life flashed before her eyes, especially scenes where she had hurt others, whether intentionally or not.
“Is there any way you can have mercy on me?” she sobbed. “I’m so ashamed; I didn’t realize what I did was so bad! I’ll never finish paying this debt, and you’re the only one who can help me!”
The judge spoke her name. She noticed that his tone of voice had changed.
“Approach the bench,” he said.
Trembling, she did so, and he handed her a parchment with writing on it.
“I acknowledge that the payment for the crime of destroying The Judge’s property was fulfilled by His Honor, Himself.”
She looked up into the pure face of the man in the white robe. Love and power were simultaneously radiating from His eyes. It was as though they were looking into (even through) her. She felt fully known, yet somehow no longer frightened of Him. He had the most beautiful countenance she had ever seen.
“My child, I am the designer, builder, and owner of the fence, but I forgive you. Sign the contract that says I paid your debt in full, and you may go free.”
She hesitated, desperately wanting to accept the offer, yet feeling as though she wasn’t good enough. He knew her thoughts.
“Nobody’s life merits this pardon” He said kindly. “However, worth is determined by how much Someone is willing to pay”.
She asked how she could reimburse Him, and He smiled. “You can’t. But there’s something you can do to say ‘thank you’. Tell others about the grace you received, because they can have it, too. Everyone needs forgiveness, whether they broke My fence, hurt one of My children, or simply told a lie. This gift is free, and available to everyone who will accept it.”
After she signed and was waiting for her paper, she asked the bailiff how the Judge could afford to cover so many debts. “It wasn’t a monetary decision for Him” he whispered gravely. “It’s not something one can fully comprehend, but I’ll say that loving others deeply makes you brave”.
The Judge waved as she left the courtroom, revealing a large scar on His hand.
Free outside, she gazed in awe at her own copy of the redemption bond, and noticed something startling.
It was written in blood.
I hope you liked the story. If you want more information about the judge, please click here.
It will take you to another page on this website.
Diamonds On My Path 
Leave a comment