“Judge not, that you be not be judged.” (Matthew 7: 1)
Outside the Golden Rule, this is a saying that can be seared into our lives and the way we live. This is: don’t judge others. Or, better said: “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:5)
Our world has become one of – who are we to judge? Even more, the thought of being judged by God is very unpopular, if believed at all. We want a God of love and who will love us, not a judging God or a God of judgement. We hear people say – “I like the God of the New Testament, but the God of anger and wrath in the Old Testament….I can’t understand.” A God who judges isn’t what we want to hear or believe. It’s not a God who comes across as feel good or seeker-friendly. It’s not a God our culture would celebrate.
Yet it is very much part of who God is. And it is what Jesus will do, when He comes again.
But isn’t Jesus about love? Yes. Isn’t Jesus about grace? Yes. How can we wrap our arms around God – Jesus Christ – who will come to judge us, every one of us?
Perhaps we need a judgment day. Perhaps the world needs a judgment day. And if we fully realize that all of us will stand before God to be judged of our lives, will we not take our actions, choices, and words much more seriously? I hope so.
At Bellwether, we continue going through the Apostles’ Creed. This Sunday we look at a statement which can be challenging and controversial – “From thence He (Jesus) Shall Come to Judge the Living and the Dead.” The Scripture basis will be John 12: 37-50 and the message is “Judgment Day.” We will see why we need, must have a judgment day.
The Bible states clearly we will all be judged. When Jesus returns, He will judge the living and the dead. Does this future judgment affect our present lives? It should. May it be a part of the Gospel which leads us all to living more Godly lives and giving our lives to Christ in full surrender.
Also: WE WILL BE PRAYING FOR OUR FIRST HONDURAS TEAM LEAVING JULY 19TH THIS SUNDAY. WE HOPE YOU CAN BE WITH US FOR PRAYER & SENDING THEM OFF!
