Christ as Judge

A family member of mine once had to go before a judge to challenge a ticket they received for overdriving the conditions of the road.  They had been in an accident in their car, nothing too serious, due to the black ice that had formed on the road.  As they approached the judge it was clear that they would not be able to handle themselves in a calm matter as they began to sob uncontrollably.  They were too intimidated by the judge to defend themselves and so in the end had to pay the fine anyway.

The first and only time I have had to stand before a judge was for jury selection.  And even that situation was nerve-racking.  Especially when I was singled out and asked questions directly.  Standing before a judge can be very intimidating and when we realize that we all will have to stand before the Judge, Jesus Christ, Creator-God of all things, the intimidation factor can rise to extremes. 

Two weeks ago Andrew spoke about how Jesus Christ humbled Himself, coming down from His throne in Heaven to be born in a simple stable to a poor family.  What an amazing, loving thing to do for us, the created.  Last week we studied how Jesus Christ was, is, and always will be the only truly, wholly, Righteous One who is perfect in every way.  His shed blood upon the cross was the only sacrifice worthy to turn away God’s wrath toward us for our sin.  This week will explore how Christ is Judge of the living and dead.  What will that judgment look like?  What will we be judged for?  How is Christ worth of being Judge?  Should we be worried as we stand before Him as our Judge?

Prayerfully prepare yourself for encountering this amazing characteristic of our Savior.  May God speak to us, teach us, and mold us as we dig into His Word with an open and teachable heart.