The Righteous Judge

Scripture Text: Judges 2:16-23

Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them.

Judges 2:16

ere are the common cycle for each human judge:

1) APOSTASY: The Israelites do what is evil in the sight of the Lord (Judges 2:11-13);

2) SERVITUDE: God allows the Israel nation to be conquered and oppressed by a neighboring countries (Judges 2:14-15);

3) SUPPLICATION: The people cry out to God; and

4) SALVATION: God sends a judge to deliver the Israelites (Judges 2:16-18)

The above cycle then repeats after the human judge dies, and the apostasy of the people grow worse.

Why did God allow His people to experience problems, difficulties, sufferings, struggles, or even dead-end situations in their lives?

- He wants to test His people, to repent from sins, and be faithful to Him.

- He wants His people to depend on Him, not lean on to their own knowledge and understanding.

- He wants His people to stand firm on their faith to Him and fully trust the Lord forever.

- He wants them to realize that without or apart from God, they will suffer a miserable life.

- He wants His people to realize that the Lord's ways are better than the human ways.

Because His ways are for the benefits of His people. That's why all people must obey God's commandments and acknowledge Him as their only God, Creator, Lord, Savior, and righteous Judge.

We thank God because we have a righteous Judge through His Son Jesus Christ. He is the Judge of the whole human race whether righteous or unrighteous. He saves and rewards those who obey Him and remains righteous in the sight of the Lord. But He condemns the wicked, evildoers, or enemies of the cross. If the people do not change their ways, the Lord will sharpen His sword, He bends His bow, and makes it ready. He takes His deadly weapons and aims His burning arrows.

Reflect

Which one do you prefer, eternal salvation or eternal condemnation?

Remember

He will render each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, He will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury (Romans 2:6-8).

Read

Psalms 7:8‭-‬13; Romans 2:1-11

Pray

Great God, loving Father, I beseech Your grace, mercy, and kindness over my iniquities. Forgive me from my sins, and help me live a righteous life for Your name's sake. Help me remember that living a life without You will make me suffer miserably. Therefore, help me obey Your statutes, depend on Your wisdom, for Your ways are better than mine. All these things I ask in the mightiest name of my Lord Jesus. Amen!