Just Judgement

It’s a hard thing to admit, but I have been arrested more times than I can even count. These arrests have often resulted in imprisonment. I do not believe, however, that any of my offenses have been fairly judged. The vast majority of the time I run into trouble, I’m simply walking through my kitchen. Then, out of nowhere, two young police-boys—most of the time shirtless—come racing from behind the kitchen island, blaring their sirens. I am promptly thrown in handcuffs and locked in “baby gate jail,” where I await the announcement of my official charges and judgment.

While the judgment I receive for my alleged crimes is undoubtedly unjust, the Lord’s judgment is always just, always true, and always fair. In this week’s reading, we see instances of the Lord’s judgment. Yet through His judgment and punishment, we also witness His love and kindness.

In Jeremiah 46, the Lord casts His judgment on Egypt. He clearly identifies their sins and then describes exactly how He will punish them for their wrongdoing. This punishment, this judgment from the Lord, is just, true, and fair.

Also in this chapter, the Lord saves Jacob from captivity while, in the same breath, explaining that Jacob will also be “disciplined” and not left “wholly unpunished.” Some translations say the Lord told Jacob he would be “rightly corrected.” God’s servants are not exempt from His punishment and correction, just as a father would not ignore his child’s inappropriate behavior. The Lord’s discipline and correction reveal His great love and care for His people; He interrupts them to bring them back on course. This discipline, correction, and judgment are just, true, and fair.

So, while I cannot trust the judgment of two shirtless police-boys, I can place my complete trust in the Lord’s just judgment.