People balk at having an ultimate Judge. But that doesn’t change the fact that we do.
His name is Jesus. Yes, he is our teacher, Lord, Saviour, and friend. But he is also our Judge. As we are reminded by Jesus himself in John 5:22: “the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son [Jesus]…”
So let me ask you this question: Would you rather have one Judge who is for you, or one hundred judges who are against you? Let me explain.
There are many functional judges in our lives. The society in which we live has its own set of standards, expectations and values. So do the people in your close relationships. And so do you. Some of these standards, expectations and values may be good, but many are misguided.
Since many people live as though they are ultimately accountable to people who aren’t God, they can live their lives with a certain amount of fear and uncertainty. Why? Because they are continually evaluating themselves based on whether or not they measure up.
So it is a very good thing that it is actually Jesus who is on the bench. It wouldn’t be if the judge hated you. But we know that he loves you and that he died for you! According to Romans 8:1 there is “no condemnation” for those who are in Christ! We know the outcome before we even get there! Christ has paid the price for your sin and brokenness, and robes you with his own goodness and righteousness as you stand in his almighty presence.
Would you rather have one Judge who is for you, or one hundred judges who are against you?
Me too.
Let’s live today in freedom, confidence and grace.
Notes:
—Sermon. “Which Judge would you rather have?” My latest sermon is related to today’s devotional an unpacks John 5:19-29. It also includes a section about why we can have confidence that Jesus said what the Gospels say he said. Click here for watching or listening options.
—Bible study podcast. The most recent podcast provides an in-depth look at this same section of text, John 5:19-29, and provides background information on why we can trust that the Gospels preserve what Jesus actually said. Click here to listen, or tune-in to ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you enjoy podcasts—Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.
The Up Devotional 