“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
Romans 1:20
Since my father was a judge, my family and friends and I had plenty of jokes that we told about his line of work. It turns out there is no shortage of judge funnies and comic strips. However, the humor ends when I think of the reality of what the Bible calls judgment day (see Matthew 12:36).
In the Old Testament when God came down as judge, it was no laughing matter. Devastation and death abounded. Why? Because people were rampantly worshiping idols. In his prophetic book, Jeremiah calls the idols “dung pellets” 38 times. That’s how detestable idols are to God! People can reject and offend God only so long. Then He comes down as judge. Paul wrote, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men” (Romans 1:18).
We are still experiencing judgment today. Through it the world will know He is God. But how grateful we are that God’s greatest judgment occurred on a cross at Calvary, where the Judge Himself took our punishment and declared us “Not guilty!”
In the Old Testament when God came down as judge, it was no laughing matter. Devastation and death abounded. Why? Because people were rampantly worshiping idols. In his prophetic book, Jeremiah calls the idols “dung pellets” 38 times. That’s how detestable idols are to God! People can reject and offend God only so long. Then He comes down as judge. Paul wrote, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men” (Romans 1:18).
We are still experiencing judgment today. Through it the world will know He is God. But how grateful we are that God’s greatest judgment occurred on a cross at Calvary, where the Judge Himself took our punishment and declared us “Not guilty!”
Scripture Focus
Jeremiah 5:18-25
Insight
“Whoever… believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged; he has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24)
Bible In A Year
- Hosea 12-14
- Proverbs 15
- 1 Peter 4-5
