GOD IS COMING TO JUDGE
“For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.”
Luke 8:17 (ESV)
We live in a culture that often emphasizes God’s love—which is absolutely true—but many rarely wrestle with the reality of God as a just God. God is holy, full of love, but also full of justice. Some people feel overwhelmed when we talk about a God who will bring justice and judge the world. However, I want to suggest that the only thing more overwhelming than the idea of God coming to judge is the idea of God not coming to judge.
Think about it. We hear countless stories of tragedy, murder, violence and corruption all around us. Many of the Psalms express the struggle of seeing evil prosper while God’s people suffer. How do we find hope? Part of the answer is heaven, but it’s also the assurance that God will make things right. We live in a world hungry for justice. We long for it and often feel despair when we don’t see it. Listen to what Miroslav Volf says: My thesis is that the practice of non-violence requires a belief in divine vengeance… Violence thrives today, secretly nourished by the belief that God refuses to take the sword… if God were NOT angry at injustice and deception and did NOT make a final end of violence, then God would not be worthy of our worship.
When we don’t get justice or see evil prevailing, we can still have hope because a day is coming when God will judge and bring holy justice. This hope allows people to suffer and live in peace amid uncertainty.
Growing up, my grandmother loved the television show Unsolved Mysteries. On the day Jesus returns, there will be no more unsolved mysteries. That show will be canceled—every secret will be revealed, every case closed, every ledger balanced, every account settled. Justice will be served.
Live in the light of Jesus’ return. He is coming in love but also as a judge. Everything that is hidden will be brought to light. Let this truth comfort us and inspire us to live in holiness.
APPLICATION: Rest in the promise and right every wrong.
PRAYER: Thank You, God, that You are a holy judge. Thank You that we can trust You to make things right and that You are coming to judge the world. Please come quickly! Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don't let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?