Having Righteous Judgment

-August 16, 2023-

Good morning, happy Wednesday,

“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

(John 7:24).

God sees what we cannot see, knows, what we do not know. He looks into the heart of man as only He can. We may successfully hide things from others, but nothing is hidden from Him. King Solomon was the wisest king in the history of the world. The Queen of Sheba travelled a great distance to see him and hear his wisdom. She marveled at what she saw and heard and it almost took her breath away. She exclaimed that the half had not been told her.

If ever there was someone who had righteous judgment, it was Solomon. His wisdom, though, was not his own, for God gave it to him. He knew what to say, how to act, and how to apply the knowledge and understanding he possessed to difficult situations. Just think of the great responsibility he bore!

The Lord Jesus teaches us that we can have righteous judgment as long as we do not judge according to appearance. We are indwelt by the the Holy Spirit. What an advantage we have over even Solomon. We know things now in the Age of Grace that no one in the OT ever knew about. John the Baptist was the greatest prophet under the Old Covenant of the Law. Jesus said of him in Mathew 11:11, “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

May the Lord help us to judge with righteous judgment: seeing and hearing things from God’s perspective. Just as Solomon asked God for wisdom, we need to do the same. James 1:5 says, If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Joseph said to Pharaoh before he interpreted his dreams, “…It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” (Genesis 41:16). Hundreds of years later the prophet Daniel said a similar thing to King Nebuchadnezzar that only God can reveal secrets.

When we pray, study the Word, and seek God’s wisdom, we be able to judge righteously. Our thoughts about God and men will be right. It greatly humbles us at what God has taught and shown us. We can then make right decisions and choices, and do God’s will.

Have a blessed day judging righteously. Stay safe and healthy.

Having the mind of Christ enables us to do the will of Christ, for the glory of Christ,

Dean