Greetings in Christ,
The court television shows with the judges as the main character have been quite the rage for many years. People love to watch as the judge bangs the gavel bringing down the justice on the bad person or having to decide just what is fair and just for the people standing before them. People wait to see just what kind of words the judge may say, and they may consider them to be witty, but the final decision will be one the judge will have to enforce as the gavel makes it final crack on the bench. It has been made and there usually is no going back to change the outcome. The judge’s decision is final.
It is fun to watch as the drama unfolds and the stage is set for the judge to sweep in and make those final decisions, but what if the judge makes the wrong decision? What if all the facts are not given? How does the television show gather all the facts for the judge to make that final strike of the gavel to make the show alluring, so it has viewers to watch the show? What if all the information has not been provided for the judge to determine the correct outcome for the people standing before him or her? We presuppose people are doing their job, so no mistakes are made, and real justice is served.
It is easy to get wrapped up in the drama of the show, and many people relate to being the judge. The part of the job many people forget is the judge must be fair and impartial and eliminate any personal prejudice they may have and to only make decisions based upon the law. Many want to be judge so they have the power over others, but when they make decisions based upon unreliable facts and emotions, they do not let true justice be served. A judge is one who needs to set themselves apart from the situation so they can see all the facts and render the correct decision. It is a heavy burden to carry for those who are judges, and they are held to a higher standard than others to maintain that standard of being a judge.
The Bible has many references regarding being a judge or to judge others. It is a task that carries with it a burden many cannot carry, and it tends to lead people astray in their decisions.
Michal has judged David in his worship of God as the Ark of the Covenant enters Jerusalem. 2 Samuel indicates David just has a linen ephod covering his body and he is dancing as the ark makes it way to the temple. Michal has determined David has made a fool of himself before all the people, especially the young maidens, and she has spoken her mind to David. David responds by saying God has chosen him over her father Saul to be king, and how he worships God is between him and God.
Michal’s judgement of David did not let her view the scenario of what David was doing objectively. She overlooked many things and based her decision on emotion and prejudice. With this decision she carried the burden of not being able to bear any children for David.
Paul writes to the Romans telling them they should not judge others for it is not their responsibility. No one lives alone and are separate from the Lord, for all were created by the Lord. All live and die in the Lord. In the end all will knee and bow and give praise to God, and then He will judge all which He has created. Paul goes on to say not to judge anyone for it will put a stumbling block for someone else.
John records Jesus calling Philip and Nathanael as disciples. Philip speaks to Nathanael about Jesus telling him Jesus in the one true Messiah from Nazareth. Nathanael answers back to Philip can anything good come from Nazareth. As Nathanael approaches Jesus for the first time Jesus calls out to him as if He knew Nathanael for a long time. Nathanael questions Jesus as to how He seems to know him, and Jesus answers I saw you coming before you arrived. Nathanael then realizes Jesus is the true Son of God. Nathanael judged Jesus by the reputation of a city, and he had to reverse his thinking once he met Jesus.
O to be a judge or to judge, but what a burden to carry. It is hard to be above reproach, so no guilt is found of any wrongdoing by the judge or those who judge. It can lead to a burden which separates us from God because we take ourselves to the level of God, and it leaves us so empty and lonely inside. It becomes so hard to be fair and impartial because the love of God is not present in our hearts. We become blind to the facts and render our decisions based on emotions. We separate ourselves from others even though they are created by God. We forget Jesus had to be our defense lawyer and plead to the judge-God-for our forgiveness. What a burden we carry when we want to be a judge or judge others.
“But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” So, then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.” Romans 14:10-13
What account will we give as we stand before God on that judgment day?
“The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones, not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” Psalm 34:15-22
Lord may we not judge each other, but rather love each other just as you love us. Amen
Blessings,