Add Link Play Play Alt Pause Prev Next Arrow More Arrow Back Download Download Link
Back to Blog

January 3, 2024 | Daily Devotionals | January 3

The Advocates

But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1–2

Despite the fact that 33 miners at the San Jose mine cave-in had been missing for days, with no indication that they were even alive, the wives, friends, and families of “Los 33” kept 24-hour vigil near the entrance of the main access to the Chilean mine complex. Soon a tent city called Campamento Esperanza (Camp Hope) had sprung up. Prayer gatherings met frequently. The relatives organized themselves and appointed speakers to advocate on behalf of Los 33. They asked the critical questions: Why were ladders missing from emergency escape routes? Why was the mining company slow to offer updates? What exactly was being done to find the men?

The group of advocates for the miners grew and the event drew international media attention. Supporters banged pots and pans as a reminder to local and national mining officials and politicians that they would not be silenced. Soon scenes of the San Jose mine and the loved ones rallying on behalf of the trapped miners rolled across TV and phone screens on every continent. If not for this media exposure, perhaps the search effort would not have proceeded as aggressively as it did, and the men may not have been reached in time.

Romans 8:34 says that Jesus “is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” He is our Advocate—the One who argues and defends on our behalf. And just like the miners’ families who advocated passionately on behalf of Los 33, God calls us to advocate for those who cannot do it for themselves. With Christ as our Advocate, we have the perfect model to emulate. It’s a dark, hurting world. Do dangerous good in it. Reach out. Make the call. Walk across the room. Be an advocate.

Father, help me be an advocate for those who do not have a voice in this world.

Join the Every Man Ministries newsletter

By joining you will receive daily devotionals straight to your inbox and much more