The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading PlanSample

He Is Judge

A god who does not judge is a god of the imagination. God judges. Attempts are made to water down God’s judgment, explain it away or apologize for it, but God’s judgment is a manifestation of the reaction of his holiness to evil (Isa 42:8). Judgment is an integral part of redemptive history as seen in the fall (Ge 3:14–19), the flood (6:5–7), the plagues (Ex 3:19–20; 7:5; 11:4–5), the conquest (Jos 3:10), the destruction of Israel (2Ki 17:5–23), the destitution of Judah (25:1–21), the great tribulation (Mt 24:21–22) and the great white throne judgment (Rev 20:11–15). There are many references in Scripture to both his judgment and his love.

Judgment is necessary. Society recognizes that a judge who will not judge is a mockery. The Bible salutes God’s judgments as “firm” and “righteous” (Ps 19:9), impartial (Ro 2:11), perfect (Ps 19:7) and complete (Rev 15:1).

All sin starts when we determine that we want to be like God (Ge 3:5–6). This attitude of the will is judged (Isa 14:14–15). The cross did not do away with judgment; it served as the lightning rod (Col 2:14). At the cross judgment and mercy met, and both were victorious. Judgment is a necessity; the cross has no meaning without it (Ro 3:24–26). In judgment, our innermost attitudes will be revealed, and justice will be administered. We would do well to prepare our hearts (2Co 5:9–11).

Taken from The Woman’s Study Bible