Westside Church of Christ

There may not be any single topic that rubs people the wrong way quite like judgment. Yet, it is an unavoidable appointment (Hebrews 9:27). Yes, humans are notoriously poor at it, but God is not. Someday, every one of us will appear before the judgement seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), but caution is demanded in assuming the role of judge and jury (Matthew 7:1-5).

The Lord knows that we see people through damaged vision. We see a speck in our brother’s eye when we have a log hanging from our own. We set a very rigid standard that we ourselves don’t live up to. What we fail to realize is that we have given everyone the measuring stick to use on us as well. Wisdom dictates that we look in the mirror first, realize our own shortcomings, deal with them and then with great empathy help our brother to deal with his.

God’s judgment isn’t like ours. His is absolutely perfect. He sees hearts and faith that are reflected in our actions. It’s easy to act as a critic. People do it all the time. Yes, even Christians. We must remember the warning of Paul to the Church in Rome (Romans 2:1-11). It is inexcusable to condemn another when we have the same fault. Our judge will not overlook such practices. Divine wrath is the result. Tribulation and distress await those who behave in such a way.

God is indeed kind and merciful, and our response to those benevolent qualities is repentance. His love does not negate the reality of His wrath and judgment. It doesn’t matter where we come from or who our family is. An impenitent heart will collide with the wrath of God in judgment. Jesus came to save us from that wrath (Romans 5:9), but those who reject His grace have no hope.

The thoughts of falling into His hands when He is angry is a sobering thought. At least, it should be. No one can sidestep the meeting, and we see glimpses of His wrathful side through history. He expelled Adam and Eve from the garden. He destroyed all but eight in the flood. Even today, we see His wrath revealed in the progression described in Romans 1:18-32. It sounds like the evening news. If people are intent on turning away from God, He will let them go to their self- destructive ways.

The Lord offered repeated warnings to Israel and Judah to turn from their unfaithful ways. They refused to listen. They turned a deaf ear to the prophets and didn’t learn from history. Surely, we are smarter than that. We have more information in our New Testament than they had. We have the Son of God extending those nail-scarred hands to save us. Should we turn our back on Him and then expect mercy on judgment day?

Call to Praise: Acts 18:5-6

His word on it: Acts 18:8

Sermon: “A Turn to the Gentiles”