Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Seeing Something Greater at the Judgment

Scripture Verses that caught my attention today: Matthew 12:41-42 The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here! 42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here!

Observation: Jesus indicates that others will be present, accounted for, and participants in the judgment.


Application:
A common Christian understanding is that we will all one day appear before the judgment seat of God. Most would also concur that Jesus will play an active role in that day. In some cases it is believed that some will go one way and some another. In other scenarios it is believed that all will be declared guilty and that Jesus will then plead for all.

What’s particularly interesting about the passage above is that those who had been condemned and repented (Ninevites) and those who had authentically sought out wisdom (like the Queen of Sheba) will also participate in the judgment. They too will stand as witnesses to testify to the wrong. They too will be there to remind us of “every careless word we utter” (vs. 36) and force us to give an account. It’s a group intervention. There will be no escape.

I think that’s a good thing…for all of us. I look forward to it.

Yes, it will be painful. Things will be brought to light that we have either long-since forgotten or have long held in secret. And right there will be the very people that we have either wronged and/or those who have witnessed our wrongs. That won’t be a pretty sight!

But with the truth comes opportunity. With the truth comes clearer vision. Perhaps then we will see first-hand not only the extent of Jesus’ sacrifice, but also that which God declares is far greater and even more desirable; mercy (see verse 7).

Yes, in Christ something greater than Jonah or Solomon or all the rest is here, maybe even now.

Prayer: Lord, you embody mercy and mercy’s power is only appreciated for what it is in the face of our own despair. Help us to see both and not delude ourselves otherwise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: 1 Samuel 30-31, 1 Chronicles 10, and Matthew 12)

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