Are You A Judge?
Henry Omotayo
Are You A Judge? (Romans 2:1-11)
Message No. 0512 | Twitter @GodandUs |
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The dictionary describes a judge as a public official who is appointed to decide cases in a law court. In order not to make nonsense of the process, judges go through lots of training (usually to become a lawyer) and lots of experience (usually defending or prosecuting cases) in the law court, before they are considered worthy to be appointed judges. This means that a judge must, of necessity, be someone who understands and practices the law, otherwise, his or her decisions will be called to question both by lawyers and by the public.
It is no wonder, therefore, that the Bible says in Romans 2:1;
Therefore, you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things
In John chapter 8, the Bible says that the Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus, who was caught in the very act of adultery. They were quick to say that they caught her in the very act, so Jesus would not think they were guessing. They were also quick to quote what the law of Moses says about this, so Jesus should know that they knew the law. They were already carrying stones in their hands, ready to play the role of executioner. In response to them, Jesus stooped down and started writing in the sand. Now, I assume that the pharisees must have checked what Jesus was writing in the sand, thinking that He was writing ‘Stone her to death,’ but when what He was writing did not resemble judgement, they asked Him again what His judgement was. At this time, Jesus stood straight and told them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
The term, rushing to judgement, is one that is used to describe people who pronounce (usually, unofficial) judgement against others, just by hearsay. Before we shout, condemnation, we might have to examine ourselves to be sure that this term does not describe us. In our daily lives, we are quick to point fingers at others, without putting ourselves in the positions of the people we judge. Just as judges need experience before they become judges, so might we, before we are in a position to make informed opinions on matters, because, when we are judging others, the Bible says that we become inexcusable if we do the same things for which we pass judgement.
A judge might not be impeccable, but he or she is expected to be without reproach and must not have been seen to have participated in or acted in the manner that is the subject of what he or she is condemning. This is a very high bar to reach, and this is the reason why you and I should steer clear of judging others. Why are we so quick to judge our family members, neighbors, colleagues and other people that we probably know little about? When we judge others, does it not mean that we know that what they did was wrong? So, when we do the same things, does it not mean that we are knowingly disobeying the law or disobeying God?
Now, in the secular world, judgement is harsher when the judge knows that the offender knows the law. This is the reason why the penalties for second offenders are harsher than first offenders. When we run foul of the things we judge others for, God knows that we know the law. In James chapter 3 verse 1, the Bible says that many of us should not (aspire to) be teachers because we will be judged more strictly. Why? The answer is because teachers know the law (that is, the rules about what they teach), so there is no excuse when they disobey such rules.
Let us examine ourselves, to see if we have been living judgmental lifestyles, and to ask God for forgiveness. We all have no excuses for judging others, because none of us is so perfect as to point accusing fingers at others. We all need the mercy and cleansing of God. When a brother or a sister falls into sin or even backslide completely, this is not the time to backbite and judge such a person, this is the time to pray for him or her and to gently speak God’s Word aiming at bringing such a person back to the fold. This is what God calls us to do – not to condemn people. The Bible says that those who think that they stand should be watchful, lest they fall. As we do our daily activities and live our lives as believers, I pray that our God would guide us and help us to show unto others the same mercy and kindness that we all so desire, from our Maker. Enjoy your week and God bless you!
PLEASE ACT NOW:
If you are yet to give your life to Christ, you do not have a covenant with God and His promises do not apply to you. To come under these promises, please surrender your life to Christ today, by praying this prayer:
Lord I know that I am a sinner and I am unable to save myself. I am sorry for my sins and I pray that you please forgive me. I am aware that Your Son Jesus died for my sins and I accept Him as my Lord and savior. I surrender my life unto you from this moment. Please take control of my entire being and help me to be obedient to your Word, going forward. Thank you, Lord, for hearing me. I have prayed in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed the foregoing prayer, you have just been born again. Please find a Bible believing church in your area and ask to see the pastor. Let him or her know that you have just given your life to Christ and s/he will guide you on next steps in your journey as a child of God. The Lord bless you!
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