Entering Into God’s Presence

Knowing God Through His Roles & Titles

Judge  (Sphere of Government)

To Study and Ponder

• The Lord is a perfectly righteous judge. There is no duplicity, no double-standard, no favoritism, no corruption at all in him. Equity is his unwavering standard. He will not be swayed by a bribe and does nothing for selfish gain. Moses proclaims, “He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!” (Deu 32:4). The prophet says, “you make righteous judgments” (Jer 11:20). The psalmist declares, “The LORD is known for his justice ... the LORD reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed” (Psa 9:16,7-9; see also Psa 96:12-13 and 98:9), for – as the apostle says – “he judges fairly” (Rev 19:11). Indeed, the promised Messiah “will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment... He will rule with mercy and truth. He will always do what is just and be eager to do what is right” (Isa 11:4-5; 16:5).

• Today “Judge” is the title given to a public official appointed to decide cases in a court of law, but also used for officials and those who make decisions in competitions. Moses appointed judges to help settle disputes (Ex.18:25,26) and judges had authority in Israel between the time of Joshua and the Kings. (Book of Judges) To judge has the idea of giving a decision or verdict.

• God is clearly the ultimate judge, bringing judgement on the wicked throughout the OT. (Eden, the flood, Sodom & Gomorrah, Egypt etc.)

• I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord! Ex 12:12b

• Then let the heavens proclaim his justice, for God himself will be the judge. Ps 50:6

• Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,... He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. Psalm 105:5,7(NIV)

• God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. Ec 12:14

• * He appoints Jesus as the righteous, end-time judge.

• Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. Acts 10:42b

• For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. 2Co 5:10

• And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2Ti 4:8 (Also v.1)

• Also Is.2:2-4, Jn.5:22, Acts 17:31, Ro.2:16; 14:10-12; Jas 5:8-9; Rev 20:11-15

• He always judges righteously & justly, He makes no mistakes, takes no bribes, always makes fair decisions. :- Hebrew words used mean just, lawful, righteous in decisions, government, conduct, character (Online Bible)

• For the Lord is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with fairness. Ps 98:9 (Also Ps 7:11, Ps 9:8; 72:2; 75:2; 99:4; 96:10,13)

• He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. Isa 11:4a

• Abraham says:- “Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” Genesis 18:25 (talking to God about Sodom & Gomorrah)

• “Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, your judgments are true and just.” Re 16:7b

• Jeremiah asks Lord, you always give me justice when I bring a case before you. So let me bring you this complaint: Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy? Je.12:1(see the answer the Psalmist gets Ps 73:1-22)

• Because He is a righteous judge God exhorts his people, especially those with a role of judge, to decide righteously and justly.

• You must never twist justice or show partiality. Never accept a bribe, for bribes blind the eyes of the wise and corrupt the decisions of the godly. Let true justice prevail, so you may live and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Deut 16:19-20

• Deut 1:16-17, Leviticus 19:15, Is 33:15-17; Pro 31:9; 1Corinthians 6:2; Rev 20:4; Pr 2:7-9

• James tells us not to speak evil of or judge one another. James 4:11-12

• Read meditation by David Joel Hamilton (at end of Teacher Meditation pdf)

Meditation/Memory:

Lower Grades: For the Lord is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with fairness. Ps 98:9  (NLT)

And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life. Romans 2:16

Middle Grades:  But the Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. Psalm 9:7-8 (NLT)

For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. 2Corinthians 5:10 (NLT)

Upper Grades: Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the Lord, for he is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth.   Psalm 96:11-13  (NLT)

...he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead. Acts 17:30b-31 (NLT)