Judgment: A Powerful Thing

I just got back from court. I was present for a proceeding that took place earlier in the morning in order to represent our church. The particulars aren't important, but what struck me was the importance of the judge. In fact, every single time I've been involved in a court proceeding the importance of the judge is what stands out in my mind more than anything else. Here's why. The judge holds power over people's lives and his decisions change lives. In our court system there have been dishonest judges. There have been renegade judges. There have been abuses of all kinds. The reality remains, though, whether good or bad pure or impure right or wrong, the judge alters the course of individuals.

I think every Christian should attend a court proceeding to observe what takes place. Usually, there is a plantiff and a defendant or some variation thereof and arguments are made and then the judge either decides or sentences based on the decision of the jury. When that life-altering moment for decision comes, the courtroom is filled with gasps, crying, celebration and rejoicing, relief and burden, and so on. That moment of decision is a very emotional time. It should be! That judge's decision is binding and lasting consequence.

Even with all of that power and the reality of the consequences, earthly judges have but a scant portion of the power that belongs to the Righteous Judge who will one day decide the eternal destiny of every human. Just like an earthly judge, the Righteous Judge will base his decision on actions already committed by those who stand before him. Just like those who are found guilty before an earthly judge, those found guilty by the Righteous Judge will face eternal damnation and, unlike the earthly court system, there will be NO appeal! In the same way, those found to be covered by the blood of the Righteous Judge will in no way come under condemnation - double jepordy - becasue their sins will have already been judged and payed by Jesus. Also, that decision can not be overturned. The point: The saved should live in anticipation of giving an account for their lives and the lost should receive Jesus while there is time.