The idea behind advocacy is to support and be a voice for someone or something that matters.
The truth is, everyone needs an advocate. There is a built in desire to have someone stand up for each one of us and help us through the issue or season of life in front of us. This is part of the reason why when people are being taken advantage of there is an outcry on their behalf by others.
Our sense of each other’s well being is part of who we are as people.
Fear undermines good advocacy. If the fear is associated with impacts on our way of living, that fear might develop prejudices where there is now blindness and resistance towards advocating for people who are different then we are. This is a very dangerous position be in, as it only erodes advocacy for the good of people.
Good advocates don’t let fear get in the way.
The best advocate I know of is Jesus. Hebrews 7 describes the good work of the priests who continually advocate for the people before God. The writer of Hebrews says that the best of advocates don’t last forever. The writer goes on to say “…he (Jesus) is able, once and forever to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” (Hebrews 7:25 NLT)
God would be totally just to say the I, or any one else, has lived in violation of and conflict with the way of life that has been laid out for us. Jesus, at the Father’s initiative and direction, comes and takes everything that separates me from God, forgives it, and I am able to live a life being loved and restored to God forever in relationship. Jesus’s advocacy for all people makes this possible.
Jesus is advocacy for life.