Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 10:42, “And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.”
Several days ago I made mention of the process of being selected as a juror. I have both served on a jury and received my notice in the mail but then been informed that I was not required to show up at court. In the drama that plays out in the courtroom, portrayed regularly on movie and television screens, there are a few other major players in addition to the jury. In our verse for today, we are exposed to them in reference to God’s great throne of eternal judgment. Up first is the law. This declaration of what is right and wrong, what is to be done and what must not be, is twofold. In our verse, there is the command for God’s followers to preach that Jesus is Lord and the ultimate judge of man’s fate. In the verse that follows, the primary requirement is given by which all will be measured, namely whether one put their faith and trust in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. And so, in this high court, the law on which it stands is clear and concise. Also participating in the trial are witnesses. We are called as His followers to testify on His behalf, to bear witness of His great claims to draw as many as possible out of condemnation and into redemption. Likewise, the following verse proclaims that all the prophets bore witness that faith in Jesus is the only standard that will be used to determine one’s destiny.
And finally, there is the judge. Luke tells us that God appointed Jesus to be the judge of every soul, those that were living and every single one that had ever died. And that’s different than simply saying He would judge them. You and I play judge all the time, passing verdict and doling out condemnation, a role that scripture forbids us to take on. And the reason why we are to discern, assess, choose and decide without ever being someone’s judge is that God has appointed Jesus as judge. Christ will not merely judge like all of us are inclined to do. He is the judge, and thus will carry out His role in truth and grace. We should attest to what is right and wrong, and to the One who made it so, and leave the judging to Him who is able to discern the very thoughts and motives of a man’s heart.
As we seek Him today, carry out your role with the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God as your guide and director.
Have a guilt-free Thursday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
