Last week I reported for jury duty. I must say that I was anxious about it all – will I get picked? How long will it last? Criminal case? Civil case? Now, don’t get me wrong. If I was chosen, I would have been happy to serve as this is a civic duty that lets us see our democracy in work. But still, a little nervous.
I arrived early, secured a good parking place, bid adieu to my phone and watch (nothing digital allowed) and hiked up the steps, through security, and into the courtroom. My home for the day.
After some formal beginnings, the prosecutor gave us an informative lesson about what would be taking place that day. She said that this part of the trial that was called voir dire, where potential jurors are questioned to determine eligibility.
Voir dire is a French term meaning “to speak the truth.” This process of selecting a panel of 12 has been around for hundreds of years. In the 1760s, William Blackstone wrote about the importance in choosing jurors, ensuring that there was no partiality. Part of this process involves questioning and interviewing the potential jurors. When answering those questions, it is important for us to speak the truth. This will ensure the fairness of the jury, and ultimately, the fairness of the trial.
If I was on trial, I would certainly want 12 fair and impartial people listening to my side of the story. One day, I will be asked to account for what I know. On that day, there will be no jury, no voir dire. I will stand before God in judgement. But thankfully, I will not be alone.
And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only
but also for the whole world. 1 John 2:2
Jesus became the propitiation for us – he appeased the debt that was on us because we have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23.) His sacrifice on the cross allows us to be made right with God through Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21.)
And Jesus will speak the truth because he is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6.)
Did I get selected for duty? No. It was a long day, but an informative one as I learned more about the judicial system, and I am thankful that this branch of our government works to guarantee fairness and impartiality.
But even more so, I am thankful that God sent his son to die for me so that I am covered over with His righteousness and will spend eternity praising Him.
