Today’s Reading: Psalm 94:2; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:8
Judge. When you do a quick Google search of the word judge you are presented with many of the household names that we have become accustomed with: Judy Sheindlin ( Judge Judy), Joseph Wapner (The People’s Court) , Joe Brown(Judge Joe Brown), Greg Mathis (Judge Mathis) , Marilyn Millian ( The People’s Court). These are actual judges that have completed their requires studies to practice law and have created names that are synonymous with high ratings and explosive courtroom drama. Webster has five definitions of the word as a noun and six definitions as a verb. Each of the definitions has their origins in the Anglo-French: jus- right,law ; dicere- to decide .
Judge of the Earth. This is a major component of God that we sometimes take for granted and not fully realize the true complexity of this trait of God. It is a trait that we would rather not speak of or acknowledge. This is the characteristic of God the Father. This is where we are fully aware of the consequences of our actions: both positive and negative. This is a difficult aspect because we all will ultimately face the judgment of our actions and deeds. This can be truly frightening and daunting at times. We can become consumed with worry and guilt that would leave us incapacitated. But when we fully understand Him and His will for us then this calms the fears.
Over the past couple of decades, I have requested that God would show up to me in all areas of my life. I made a true commitment and allowed Him to direct my path and I have diligently sought Him. I have found how to place another’s welfare above my own when I married Jillian. I have found out to love unconditionally when we became parents with Oliver, Ruby, and Nadya. But in the midst of these relationships He has given me a glimpse into His heart and how he loves me and everyone else. Yes, He is almighty and all-powerful and can bestow judgment on everyone, but it will be a judgment that has the most compassion that it is not imaginable. There will be a judgment in the last days, but I believe it would be similar to the judgment I try to give my children. Just recently, I had to give a negative consequence to our children: No screen time for X minutes or something like that. But Jillian and I have agreed to give the consequence and also let the children know the reason for the consequence and let them know that we still love the person, but not he behavior.
God is just and God is Love. The nature of God of to love us no matter what we have done. There is evil that exist and that is the absence of love. But God wants us to accept Him and love him. There will always be exceptions to the ones that Love God. He understands that and is compassionate to us all. Jesus tell us throughout the scriptures that there will be separation of those who love him and not. There will be some that are ready with their lamps and some without. This what we are certain, but Jesus also tells us that not matter what part of your life you in in you will be able to be with him if you confess and acknowledge His power. In the readings of Today, there are many references into the full extent of the judgment that God gives, but I also wanted to share this passage to conclude the day.
Matthew 20: 8 – 16
And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’[b] 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”
No matter where we are in life: birth or just before death, God is able to accept you as his child and grace you into the compassionate judgment of a Loving and Caring Father.