I recall growing up watching court shows. Not because I had to but wanted to see the judge determine who was right or wrong. I mean shows like People’s Court with Judge Wapner, Divorce Court with Judge Mablean and even Night Court with Judge Harry T. Stone. The idea of balancing the scales was appealing to me. Yes, I know that there are some corrupt judges in the world and the justice system needs reform. However, judges are essential and have their place. Yet, today we can’t accept the judge of any kind.
As I look over life today, I see that people don’t like the idea of a judge or the notion of right or wrong. Unfortunately, right has become wrong and wrong has become right. Even the church struggles with this notion. They even try to dismiss God as a Judge. Despite what the world and even the Church tries to do, the Bible remains the truth and God is a Just Judge.
The Story: John 12:4-7
In John 12:44-49, Jesus clearly explains to the religious leaders that He’s not a judge. He is a Savior for those who will accept Him. However, those who do not accept Him, we face a judge, who is God. Without Jesus, God will judge and condemn on the last day.
The Lesson
The acceptance of Jesus isn’t based on mere words or good deeds. Romans 10:9-10 reveals that salvation requires confession with the mouth and belief in the heart. With true acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior, one desires a change of behavior and removal of sin. As a believer, we seek to do what pleases the Father and refrain from what doesn’t. This is a sign of an intimate relationship with God. While we have a Savior, there remains a Judge.
Isaiah 33:22 – “For the Lord is our Judge, The Lord is our Ruler, The Lord is our King; He will save us.”
Ecclesiastes 3:17 – ” I said to myself, “God will judge both the righteous and the wicked,” for there is a time [appointed] for every matter and for every deed.””
Yes, there’s a judgement that awaits all people, the righteous and the unrighteous. Although this is true, God’s not a judge who’s ready to hit the gavel and pronounce us guilty. Instead, He sent His Son, Jesus, who provides us access to the Father and allows us to be seen as righteous. This means that when God does judge the righteous, He sees them through the blood of Jesus and thus declares them innocent.
However, this isn’t the case for those who decide not to accept Jesus. We have the right to make any choice we want. We can deny Jesus; however, there are consequences to that choice. Without Jesus, we go before the Judge without a lawyer. We choose to represent ourselves. As a result, we stand uncovered and find ourselves at the mercy of the Judge.
As God would have it, we see the Judge on a regular basis. We have these appearances through the situations we experience. Each day we have the choice to accept Jesus, draw closer to God or follow our own way. As a result, our final decision will determine how the Judge rules on our final Judgement Day.
Romans 14:10-12 confirms that every person will have to give an account before God. Will you stand before the Judge with your Lawyer, Jesus, or will represent yourself? The choice is yours!
