In what ways can we trust God to be our judge in personal matters? A snapshot from Judges 11:27 “I have not sinned against you, but you have done me wrong to wage war against me. May the LORD, the Judge, decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.” (Judges 11:27) What this moment teaches us • Jephthah refuses personal retaliation. • He entrusts the dispute to “the LORD, the Judge.” • His confidence rests on God’s proven character, not on his own strength or on Israel’s army. God’s unchanging character as Judge • Righteous — “For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice.” (Psalm 11:7) • Impartial — “God shows no partiality.” (Romans 2:11) • All-knowing — “Nothing in all creation is hidden from His sight.” (Hebrews 4:13) • Faithful — “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just.” (Deuteronomy 32:4) Ways we can trust God to be our Judge in personal matters • Relinquish retaliation – “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the LORD.” (Romans 12:19; cf. Deuteronomy 32:35) • Rest in His perfect timing – “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) • Rely on His discernment of motives – “The LORD weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2) • Wait for His vindication – “Commit your way to the LORD… He will bring forth your righteousness like the dawn.” (Psalm 37:5-6) • Remember His final evaluation counts most – “We will all stand before God’s judgment seat.” (Romans 14:10) Practical responses when wronged • Speak truth respectfully, as Jephthah did (Judges 11:14-27). • Refuse to nurse bitterness (Ephesians 4:31-32). • Keep doing good to the other party (Romans 12:20-21). • Pray for wisdom and patience (James 1:5). • Surround yourself with godly counsel (Proverbs 15:22). Promises that anchor our hearts • “God is a righteous judge, a God who displays wrath every day.” (Psalm 7:11) • “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts.” (Philippians 4:7) • “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Christ, the ultimate assurance • Jesus “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) • He will return as “the righteous Judge” to reward and set everything right (2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 19:11). • Because Christ bore judgment for sin at the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21), believers face the future judgment unafraid (Romans 8:1). Living it out today • Consciously hand over grievances to the Lord. • Keep short accounts—confess sin quickly. • Let gratitude replace grumbling as you wait for His verdict. • Rejoice that the Judge who decides your case is also the Savior who loves you. |
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