Only God Can Judge Me!
We hear this statement made often by people in the world and even some who claim to be in the truth. “Only God can judge me.” Yet, is this really sound doctrine? Or what the scriptures teach us? Or is it rather a conveinent thing to say to avoid accountability and avoid having to change our ways?
Amos 5:15 KJVS
Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.
The scriptures don’t teach only God can judge me. Now it does let us know there is a final judgment but it does not teach that is the only form of judgement or all judgement is only relegated to God. The scriptures teach us rather to establish judgement in the gate. Meaning, what? Meaning, within your borders, territory, camp or city; wherever you dwell, you should have judgment. Now, you can’t have proper judgment if you don’t have judges in place.
Exodus 18:16 KJVS
When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
It is the job of the judge to learn the various laws needed in order to bring forth judgment; or rather make decisions with sound reasoning. You must know what it is the parties may have offended in or gone off on and how to help them navigate that issue and get back on track or reconcile differences. And ultimately make it right. But you can’t begin to fix or amend something if you don’t know what is wrong with it. And the only way you can know what is wrong with it is to understand how it should normally operate. This relates to generally any field. Especially, when it comes down to solving issues. Which is a big part leaders play. A big portion of your job is centered around solving issues.
Exodus 18:21-25 KJVS
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: [22] And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. [23] If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace. [24] So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said. [25] And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
The scriptures give us guidance on how to set up judges. They need to be men; adult males (age 20+ Numbers 1:3). They need to be capable of learning the law and making sound judgment. They need to have a fear of The Most High God and be righteous. They can’t be hypocrites or wicked themselves. Of those acceptable men, you put them in leadership positions of various levels to be able to hear matters and decide what should be done. Not according to how they feel but according to what the word of God says.
Exodus 2:13-14 KJVS
And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? [14] And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.
One of the problems that comes in, is when people don’t want to be corrected, because that is really what the judgement often times is. It is usually in the form of correction. But when they don’t want that they are more prone to take offense and say what many people say today. Who are you!?! Who died and made you leader? Most people do not want to be corrected. Which is why most people won’t make it to the kingdom… We must be better than most people.
Sirach 32:17 KJVA
A sinful man will not be reproved, but findeth an excuse according to his will.
The true reason behind people not accepting correction is because they want to continue in whatever sin or error they are doing. I want to continue to live my life the way I enjoy and I don’t want anyone to tell me different. So instead of accepting the correction one is now in a mindset of how can I justify my actions.
John 7:24 KJVS
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
See, the beautiful thing about the Bible is that it teaches us to not focus on the look but rather focus on righteousness. Judge matters according to what the right thing is. Which we know to be found in the law.
Deuteronomy 19:18 KJV
And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;
Whoever is judging the matter must be wise and careful to ensure they make diligent inquisition. You must take the time to study the case, examine all the evidence and information ask any follow up questions and make a decision. You can’t rush the process.
Ezekiel 3:18-19 KJVS
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. [19] Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
God commands us to warn our people. Even if they don’t want to hear it. Because we are in the business of saving lives. We don’t know if the person will repent or not. But we must do our part in helping to pave the way for them in hopes they do. Else, if we don’t The Most High holds us responsible.
Deuteronomy 16:18 KJVS
Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
