“Do the crime, do the time,” goes the old saying, but a lot of people would rather not. As of mid-year 2014, President Barack Obama had received 14,332 requests for pardons or commutations during his administration. He has granted 62. The chance of the president letting you off the hook, therefore, is not good. Obstacles to a pardon are manifold: you have to jump through hoops at the Justice Department before your request will be forwarded; the process is weighted by political and public relations considerations; and there must be ample evidence you were wrongly convicted or that your sentence is unjust.

Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice.

Proverbs 29:26

Some will get relief from the White House, but the vast majority will not. Proverbs affirms as much in today’s scripture. But the wonderful news is this: the ultimate Ruler, King Jesus, is ready to hear your petition. Whatever you have done, whoever you may have hurt, however badly you may have squandered your opportunities, He stands ready to pardon you and give you a fresh start.

Today, pray that your nation’s leaders will recognize the divine foundation of all justice: it does not come from Washington, but from the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Malachi 3:13-18