Jesus is our Judge

HOSEA 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest.

You can hold a religious title, serve in ministry, or even be called a priest—and yet not truly know the Lord. It is possible to know about God without knowing Him personally. When we reject God’s truth, we drift away from Him, no matter our position or role. True knowledge of God is not just intellectual—it is relational, lived out in obedience, love, and humility before Him.

HOSEA 6:6 For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

The people were going through the motions of religion—offering sacrifices and observing rituals—but their hearts were far from God. They had religion, but they did not truly know Him. God values love, faithfulness, and a genuine relationship with Him far more than outward religious acts.

JOHN 17:3 This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

We cannot separate knowing God from knowing Jesus, because Jesus is the perfect revelation of the Father. To truly know God is to know Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. Eternal life is not merely about living forever—it is about entering into a deep, personal relationship with God through His Son.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding me that true life is found not in religion or rituals, but in knowing You personally through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have gone through the motions without truly seeking Your heart. I don’t want to just know about You—I want to know You deeply, to walk with You in truth and love.

Teach me to obey Your Word, to delight in Your presence, and to live in humility before You. Reveal more of who You are through Jesus, that my faith may be real and my heart always aligned with Yours. May my life reflect genuine love, faithfulness, and intimacy with You.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

ISAIAH 33:22 For the Lord is our judge, The Lord is our lawgiver, The Lord is our king; He will save us—

God is a just and righteous Judge. He upholds truth and justice in all His ways. As our Lawgiver, He establishes what is right and calls His people to live according to His Word. As our King, He reigns with power, wisdom, and mercy over all creation. And as our Savior, He delivers us from sin and destruction. We can trust Him completely, for His judgments are perfect, His laws are holy, and His reign is eternal.

1. RIGTEOUS.

DEUTERONOMY 32:4 The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.

God’s judgments are always just. He is our Rock—steady and unchanging. Everything He does is perfect, and all His ways are right. There is no trace of injustice in Him. God is faithful in all His dealings and righteous in all His decisions. We can completely trust His character, knowing that His judgments flow from His holiness and His perfect wisdom.

GENESIS 18:25 Far be it from You to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?”

When God revealed to Abraham His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham remembered his nephew Lot, who lived there. Moved with compassion, Abraham appealed to God’s mercy and justice. This moment shows the heart of God—He is full of love, yet He is also just. God does not take pleasure in judgment, but He will always do what is right. His justice is perfect, and His mercy is great. We can trust that the Judge of all the earth will always act according to His righteous character.

2. ALL KNOWING.

ROMANS 2

16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.

God knows everything—nothing is hidden from Him. He sees not only our actions but also the thoughts and motives of our hearts. On the day of judgment, He will reveal every secret and bring all things to light. God does not need anyone to investigate or testify, for His knowledge is perfect and complete. His judgment will be absolutely fair, based on truth and righteousness through Christ Jesus.

LUKE 12:1 …“Beware of… hypocrisy. 2 But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known...5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; …

Whatever we do, we are accountable to God. Nothing is hidden from His sight—every thought, word, and action will one day be brought to light. Therefore, we must live with sincerity before Him, not merely trying to maintain a good image before others. God is not impressed by outward appearances; He looks at the heart. Instead of fearing people’s opinions, we must live in reverent fear of God, who alone has ultimate authority over life and eternity.

1 PETER 4:4 … they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

When you start living for Christ, people may notice the change. Your friends may be surprised that you no longer go to nightclubs, cheat, womanize, or speak foul words. They may not understand why you live differently, and some may even make fun of you. But that’s okay—your life is now guided by a higher calling. What matters most is not people’s approval but the Lord’s. One day, everyone will give an account before God, the righteous Judge. So live to please Him, even if it means standing apart from the crowd.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

When Jesus died on the cross, He paid in full the penalty for our sins. The moment we receive Him as our Lord and Savior, we are forgiven and made righteous before God. Yet, there will still come a day when every believer will stand before the judgment seat of Christ—not to be condemned, but to give an account of how we lived for Him. This judgment is about reward, not punishment. It will reveal the quality of our works and the faithfulness of our service. Therefore, let us live each day to honor Christ, knowing that what we do for Him will last forever.

1 CORINTHIANS 3:13 each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

How we invest our lives after coming to Jesus will one day be examined. God will judge us not for our salvation, but for how we lived after being saved.

True faith produces good works. The evidence of genuine faith is a transformed life. We are saved by grace, not by good works—but because of that grace, we are compelled to do good works. Our actions reveal the reality of our faith and our love for the Savior who redeemed us.

3. ALL POWERFUL.

JAMES 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?

The problem is that many people act as though they are the judge—quick to criticize, condemn, and find fault in others. But the truth is, there is only one true and all-powerful Judge, and that is God. When we assume the role of judge, we forget our own need for mercy and grace. Instead of passing judgment, we are called to walk in compassion, humility, and understanding. Only God sees the heart and knows the full truth. Our calling is not to judge, but to love, to extend grace, and to trust God as the righteous Judge of all.

ROMANS 12:19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

We may strive to seek justice and do what is right, and there is nothing wrong with standing for truth or helping others who are wronged. Yet we must never forget that ultimate justice belongs to God, who is all-powerful and sovereign over all. He alone has the authority to judge rightly and the power to correct every wrong done against us. Instead, we are called to trust in His perfect wisdom and timing, knowing that the righteous Judge sees everything and will bring true justice according to His will.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:9 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.

One day, we will all stand before Christ to give an account of how we lived. Knowing this truth should stir our hearts to live each day in a way that honors and pleases God. Our aim is not driven by fear, but by love and gratitude for what Christ has done. Because we have been saved by His grace, we desire to live lives that reflect His character and bring Him glory until the day we see Him face to face.

ROMANS 14:10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

This verse teaches us not to judge or look down on others, because ultimately, God alone is the Judge. Each of us will one day stand before Him to give an account of our own lives. Instead of criticizing others, we should focus on living in a way that pleases God. Our responsibility is to take care of our own walk with the Lord — to live humbly, love sincerely, and leave judgment in God’s hands.

4. REWARDER.

PSALM 58:11 And men will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; Surely there is a God who judges on earth!”

While injustice may seem to prevail for a time, God assures us that His judgment is sure and His rewards are certain. He will not overlook the faithfulness of His people. God is a loving Rewarder who honors those who walk uprightly before Him. This truth encourages us to keep living in obedience and integrity, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.

2 TIMOTHY 4:8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

This verse reminds us that a judge’s role is not only to punish the guilty but also to reward the faithful. The Lord, our righteous Judge, is not merely looking for faults — He is looking for faithfulness. One day, He will recognize and honor those who have lived in obedience, perseverance, and love for His appearing. Just as an earthly judge can declare victory or grant a prize, our heavenly Judge will award crowns to those who have remained steadfast in their devotion to Him. He is both just and gracious — the Judge who not only corrects wrongdoing but also celebrates righteousness.

Joy to the World.

PSALM 98:1 O sing to the Lord a new song… 4 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises. 9 Before the Lord, for He is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness And the peoples with equity.

Psalm 98 calls all creation to sing a new song to the Lord, to shout joyfully and sing praises before Him, for He is coming to judge the earth with righteousness and equity. The beloved hymn “Joy to the World” was written by Isaac Watts, not as a Christmas carol, but as a poetic reflection on this very psalm. Watts transformed Psalm 98 into a song of triumph, celebrating the future reign of Christ as Judge and King. The final verses of the psalm give the true context of the song — a time of great rejoicing for those who are ready to meet the Lord. God calls His people to rejoice, for His coming judgment is not something to fear for the righteous, but a reason for joy. Evil will be defeated, justice will prevail, and the righteous Judge will make a clear distinction between those who belong to Him and those who reject Him. It is the joyful anticipation of a world made right under the reign of a righteous and just God.

King David's Example.

1 SAMUEL 24:12 May the Lord judge between you and me, and may the Lord avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you.

King David spoke these words while he was being hunted by King Saul, who had falsely accused him of trying to take over the throne. Though David was innocent and had every opportunity to take revenge, he chose to honor God instead. When he found Saul vulnerable in the cave, David refused to harm him. Instead, he declared that judgment belongs to God alone. David’s response shows deep faith and humility — he trusted that God, the righteous Judge, would deal with Saul in His own way and time.

The Lord is Our Judge

Be a Watchman.

EZEKIEL 33:7 “Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me. 8 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require from your hand. 9 But if you on your part warn a wicked man to turn from his way and he does not turn from his way, he will die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your life... 11 Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord God, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways...

Because God’s judgment is certain, we have a responsibility not only to Him but also to those around us. God appointed Ezekiel as a watchman for Israel — someone who stands alert, watching for danger, and sounding the alarm to warn the people. In the same way, believers today are called to be spiritual watchmen. When we see people walking in sin or heading toward destruction, it is our duty to warn them and call them to repentance. If they refuse to listen, that is their responsibility before God; but if we remain silent, we share in their guilt. Our role is not to force people to repent, but to faithfully share God’s truth with love and urgency.

Jesus is Our Judge.

JOHN 5:22 For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 23 so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. 24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

Jesus Himself is our Judge. The Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son so that everyone will honor Jesus just as they honor the Father. What an amazing promise from our Savior! The same Jesus who will one day judge the world is also the One who offers eternal life to all who believe in Him. For those who have heard His word and placed their faith in Him, there is no condemnation. We have already passed from death to life. This truth brings both reverence and comfort — reverence, because Jesus holds all authority as Judge; and comfort, because our Judge is also our Redeemer, full of mercy, love, and grace.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

We thank You that You are both our Savior and our Judge. You hold all authority in heaven and on earth, and yet You use that authority with love and mercy. Thank You for the assurance that those who believe in You will not come into judgment but have already passed from death to life. Help us to live each day honoring You, walking in obedience, and reflecting Your righteousness. Keep our hearts humble and grateful, knowing that the One who will judge us is also the One who died to save us. May our lives bring You glory until the day we stand before You face to face.

Amen.