DEVOTIONAL INSIGHTS & REFLECTIONS

Judgment and Accusation - December 13

There is one lawgiver and judge: Jesus Christ, the righteous. (See James 4:12; James 5:9; Isaiah 33:22; Romans 14:4.)

And when tempted to sit in judgment over someone else, it behooves us to remember that truth.

...and so it is that Satan, the enemy of our souls is also called "the accuser of the brethren." He goes before the Lord, accusing us day and night. (See Revelation 12:9-11.)

And remember Jesus' example to us, when the woman caught in adultery was brought before Him... He knelt on the ground and said "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." And when all of her "accusers" had left, He said, "Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more."

When we accuse others, we are playing into the hands of the enemy of our souls... for that is not God's way.

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death.… ~Romans 8:1&2

Jesus came into the world---not to condemn---but to seek and to save that which was lost. (See John 3:16&17; Luke 19:10; Matthew 18:11.)

And His ministry is one of reconciliation, not division and/or condemnation. And He also tells us, over and over in scripture----"follow me."

He says, "Forgive one another as I have forgiven you." (See Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:14.)

And finally, let's take a look at Luke 6:28 and Matthew 5:44:

But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.… ~Luke 6:27-29

…You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.… ~Matthew 5:43-45

When you are reviled, revile not again...

…All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. ~Isaiah 53:6-7

…“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.”… ~1 Peter 2:22-24

And neither did He defend Himself, for if He would have, God's plan of salvation could not have been fulfilled... because Jesus did not deserve to be crucified on a cross in our stead...

Oh, how He loves us...