Justice & Judgement

I think it would be a pretty tough job being a judge in our legal system. I could see where there are times that the case would be clear and simple. At other times, the case could be complex and difficult to discern and decide.  There are also some pretty strong legal constraints and boundaries on the legal system itself. I remember serving on the jury many years ago and it was a bit more complicated and time consuming than the Perry Mason show, Matlock or Law & Order! There are significant time and scheduling to get through the whole process. In the end the decision for our jury was pretty easy and we found the guy guilty.

Isaiah was prophesying judgment upon several cities and peoples because the Lord instructed him to warn the people. The Lord had seen enough and called them to repentance only to be ignored over and over.  God is a God of Justice and Judgement. He will keep His Word. He will have the last word, after all, He is Creator of all. Check this out….

This message came to me concerning Tyre:

Wail, you trading ships of Tarshish,
    for the harbor and houses of Tyre are gone!
The rumors you heard in Cyprus
    are all true.
² Mourn in silence, you people of the coast
    and you merchants of Sidon.
Your traders crossed the sea,
³     sailing over deep waters.

⁸ Who has brought this disaster on Tyre,
    that great creator of kingdoms?
Her traders were all princes,
    her merchants were nobles.
⁹ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has done it
    to destroy your pride
    and bring low all earth’s nobility. (Isaiah 23:1-3a, 8-9 NLT)

It’s interesting that the reason for their punishment was pride. I believe the Lord despises pride. Pride is very self-centered and self-promoting. Pride is super destructive from the inside out. There are times that pride is kept secret, but it usually reveals its ugly character if you give enough time. I believe pride destroys families. I believe pride destroys deep friendship. I believe pride can destroy large, well-built companies. I believe pride can destroy churches. Pride is profoundly destructive to anyone. Pride can make me think more highly of myself than I ought. Pride can help me put down others in order to elevate me. Check out these words of wisdom from wise King Solomon…..

⁵ The Lord detests the proud;
    they will surely be punished.

¹⁸ Pride goes before destruction,
    and haughtiness before a fall.

¹⁹ Better to live humbly with the poor
    than to share plunder with the proud.(Proverbs 16:5, 18-19 NLT)

I want to live a humble and honorable life before the Lord. I want to see His face and His will for my life. I don’t want to be in His “cross-hairs” for judgement for my rebellion and prideful decisions. I want every area of my life to be surrendered to Him and subject to His leading.

Pressing On!

Dwayne