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Topic: Be Just In Judgment
[DCLM Daily Manna 16 June 2019 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]
Text: Deuteronomy 16:13-21 (KJV)
Key Verse: “Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteousness” (Deuteronomy 16:19).
MESSAGE:
The esteemed nineteenth century American writer, Nathaniel Hawthorn, offered this insight: “No man can for any considerable time, wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which is the true one.”
The Lord commanded Israel in the text to gather unto Him in appreciation of His benevolence three times in a year. This was to observe the feast of tabernacles, the feast of unleavened bread, and the feast of weeks. These feasts were to be solemnly celebrated in a place where the Lord would choose. Also, Israel was to appoint judges and officers, who would judge the people with just judgment (verse 18). These judges and officers were not to miscarry judgment, have respect of persons, nor take a gift (bribe).
In today’s world, many have suffered injustice from courts, workplace, family, society and even the church. These are mainly done as a result of preferential treatment, favouritism, tribalism, bribery, etc. Our affluent society despises the poor and less privileged. In the churches of today, disagreements amongst brethren are judged on the basis of closeness to the leader, wealth, clothing or positions in the secular. Church members who do not have these qualities are unjustly treated.
A God of love must be a God of justice. His justice balances His love and makes His acts meaningful. Many think that God is like man who perverts judgment or takes bribes. It is easy to use such contradictions as excuses not to believe in God and the redemptive work of Christ at Calvary. We are however sure that one day, everyone will appear before the righteous and impartial God to give account of all that had been done. How will your judgment be?
Thought For The Day: Just judgment is consistent with love.
The Bible In One Year: Ephesians 1–3
