Imperfect Judgment
June 10, 2024
It is hard to ignore the criticism of the US Supreme Court judges these days, it is all over the news. They are either too liberal or they are too conservative. They are too political, or they are out of step with the world. This debate popped into my head today when I read Psalm 67.
1 God be merciful and gracious to us and bless us and cause His face to shine upon us and among us—Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!— 2 That Your way may be known upon earth, Your saving power (Your deliverances and Your salvation) among all nations.
4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You will judge the peoples fairly and guide, lead, or drive the nations upon earth. (AMPC)
The Bible is full of references to God’s upright judgment compared to man’s unjust judgment. The writers of both the Old and New Testament must have regularly observed or experienced injustice. As Solomon so aptly stated in Ecclesiastes 1:9: The thing that has been—it is what will be again, and that which has been done is that which will be done again; and there is nothing new under the sun. What we are experiencing today in the behavior or accusations of our judges is part of the human experience.
Our judges are human, and they are subject to biases – either to the right or to the left. Their judgements are imperfect because they are imperfect humans judging by imperfect laws. We should certainly hold our judges accountable for doing their jobs, not accepting bribes, and not making judgments for their own personal gain. They are responsible for upholding the intent of the law and we should expect that from them.
But before I get all riled up by the accusations about this crooked judge or that bad judicial decision, I should remember that God and only God judges in true uprightness and perfection. As Christians, we have an eternal view. A wrong judgment will be rectified by our just God. We have that promise because in Christ we have the victory. Justice wins because God wins. That is not just a Pollyanna approach, it is the truth. Titus 3:1-2, 9 tells us what we ARE NOT to do as Christians, and it is still good advice today!
1 Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, 2 To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody.
9 But avoid stupid and foolish controversies and genealogies and dissensions and wrangling about the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile. (AMPC)
During this election year, we have an opportunity to be a witness to those around us who do not know about our just and merciful God. They are watching what we are doing. If we act like the rest of the world, running down our leaders and judges, we are not showing the love of God that this desperate unsaved world really needs. Paul tells us what we ARE to do in 1 Timothy 2.
1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. (NLT)
Suggested Prayer: Father, Your Word says that we are to pray for all our leaders so that we may live a quiet and peaceful life. I lift to You the president, the vice president, all the cabinet members, congress members, judges, governors, legislators, mayors, city councils, school board members and all who are running for office – federal, state, and local. Pour out your Spirit on them so they are moved to conduct their duties with wisdom and justice. If any of them are not saved, Lord, send people and things across their path so they may make a clear-headed choice for Jesus. Have mercy on them and heal them – spirit, soul and body. Amen.