01/06/2017 - THE LORD’S JUDGEMENT

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Moreover in Jerusalem, for the judgment of the LORD and for controversies, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests, and some of the chief fathers of Israel, when they returned to Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 19:8

Leaders in positions of command should know what happens to their subjects – how they live and serve God. This goes for family leaders, church leaders with positions and responsibilities, business men and entrepreneurs and any person of authority in any group or set of people, community – small or large. The enemy is always weakening the human mind, leading many to become amiss in their responsibilities.

On detection of any error, it is imperative and significant to return to the Lord, because by being drawn far from him anyone can commit errors. This demands work, effort, tiredness and in some cases, sacrifices. Whatever type of work or mission we may carry out we have to seek His direction in order to do as He teaches. Never let the devil interfere with your sanctity, in your respect for divine matters and in your love for your neighbor and for others.

In all the various parts of Judah, the justice dispensed was primitive and rudimentary, but with Jehoshaphat’s decision to establish judges in all the Land, this would no longer be the case. He visited fortified cities, warning them to be responsible since they represented the Lord in their decisions and judgment. They should be very careful because they were being assisted and aided by divine help in this important activity. The country was now being prepared to see Truth being honored.

Jehoshaphat blessed the judges, saying that the fear of the Lord was with them. So this meant that they had to exercise this fear because in God there is no iniquity, respect of persons or taking of gifts. In the preceding days, the judgment was exacted by a council of elders which met every afternoon at the city’s gates to judge all cases. However, after this initiative of the king this matter would be handled by people who were capable, dedicated and nominated specifically for this task. 

We can notice the value and the worth of the reprehension given to the king after he heard from Jehu that God had decided to send His wrath upon him. In those days, the Most High spoke to us through the prophets but today He speaks to us through His Word. So the monarch mended his ways; after all, if not, things could certainly take a turn for the worse. Alas, all who cool off from their faith give into lunatic temptations to the extent of making commitments with those who do not love the Lord.

If we are aware that God is with us during every moment, every mission, we will do what is right and holy before His eyes. This is necessary as even the slightest carelessness or slip can allow the enemy to use us, and we will certainly commit a mistake. The one who is in the devil’s hands cannot exact justice or do right. When the heart or the mind is contaminated or tainted by the devil, everything goes wrong. Mercy!

The judges had the doctrine of Moses and the sayings and dictates of the prophets as a legal basis to exact and pronounce divine justice. We have the New Testament to lead us away from sin, temptation or delinquency. If we follow the Lord we will always be right.

In Christ, with Love,

R. R. Soares