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Wednesday: The Judge of All the Earth — 5 Comments

  1. The episode of Abraham interceding for the wicked people of Sodom and Gomorrah for God’s mercy is an example to behold (Genesis 18:17-32). Abraham was very much aware of how morally corrupt the inhabitants of these cities were but did not wish them evil. This is a timeless example of what happens when the Spirit of God dwells in a human being. Our benevolence towards those whom we consider as the greatest sinners is our moral responsibility. Abraham profoundly knew the character of God. “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" (Genesis 18:25). How often do we petition God’s mercies on behalf our spiritual enemies, those who are “living in Babylon”? Our moral integrity is charged on how we treat those who are morally bankrupt. How much hope and patience do we have for the “evildoers”? "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." the Bible says in Romans 12:21.

    To desire good even for the “worst” sinners is not to excuse sin but to reflect the mind of Christ who desires mercy and forgiven to all mankind. In a world which is sinking with moral corruption, Abraham’s example is one which reminds us that we are expected to be the salt of the earth and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16).

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  2. We live in a world filled with injustice and unrighteous judgment. Until that day, we are called to live not with despair, but with faithfulness and hope. Though the world’s scales are often tipped by power, pride, or prejudice, we trust that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Even when justice seems delayed or denied, we are not forgotten. Christ sees, knows, and remembers every act of righteousness done in His name. Let us therefore persevere in doing good, speak truth with grace, and walk humbly before our God, knowing that His judgment will not be flawed by error or favoritism. The Righteous Judge is coming—and with Him, perfect justice and everlasting peace.

    We have often observed mournfully, “Life is not fair.” For now, judges, referees, bosses, and courts will often judge wrongly. It is one of our highest comforts that, finally, all the accounts will be settled, all the balances trued, for Christ will judge rightly. “He will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31). It will then be fair, more than fair! Let us live with the marvelous confidence that Christ is the Righteous Judge.

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  3. I find that one of the most remarkable statements in Genesis, if not the whole Bible is found in Genesis 18:25. It is breathtakingly remarkable that the Omnipotent (and all the other “Omni’s”) Creator God would allow a mere created being to question His character and judgement – to His face, so to speak! While this is remarkable, the very fact that Abraham felt comfortable enough to ask the question of that same Creator God leaves one speechless. What an incredible relationship of trust and intimacy!

    This unique interaction reminds me of something profound: “Israel” means wrestle with God (a name given to Abraham’s grandson after literally wrestling with God (Genesis 32:22-32)). It is also interesting to note that “Islam” means submit to God.

    I would posit that to genuinely and intellectually submit to God (“Islam”), one must be first willing to wrestle with Him (“Israel”). It may be that the process of wrestling with God itself is an important mechanism for true, heartfelt submission.

    Indeed, not only are we invited to “Israel” with God, but I believe it is vitally important that we “Israel” with each other. Truth survives scrutiny, often the friendships of those holding nuanced positions of truth don’t – to the detriment of not only truth, but the demonstration of those holding the positions.

    Perhaps we should take a leaf out of God’s book when our positions are challenged.

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    • Abraham's relationship with God reminds me also of Moses' relationship with God. Close enough to question not God’s authority but his decision. Remember when God threatened to wipe out Israel and start over with Moses as the leader? (Exodus 32:10-14) They, Abraham and Moses, both had the same concern for God’s reputation.

      That we would have the same heart for both God and our fellow erring humanity. It seems that we are eager to see them get "what they deserve." I sometimes get frustrated with the patience of God when I'm not the object of it. I have questioned God’s tolerance of sinners, and pleaded with him to do something to protect his name. I later realize that his name is protected by his character.

      Remember when Moses wanted to see God's glory ? What did God proclaim to him? God proclaimed his character. (Exodus 34:5-7)

      Lord, teach me to love the way that you do.

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      • I am slowly learning by asking him to give me the heart of Jesus to love my enemies to the end that if I had to die for them like Jesus, I could. I could never die for them for their sins but have Jesus’s heart to love them like he does!

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