VERSE FOR TODAY: He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42, Revised Standard Version).
HYMN FOR TODAY: "Praise Him, Praise Him"
Judges may not look attractive. Their black robes and austere manners create fear in the hearts of many. Yet they represent law and order. Without them and what they represent, society would be in constant chaos. Nobody's life would be safe; injustice and crime would prevail.
We do not usually think of Jesus as judge; but He is our judge. Righteous people have nothing to fear from the law or those who enforce it; in fact, judges who enforce the law protect people who do what is right.
Of course, all humans break God's laws and are guilty in His sight. One of the prerogatives of a judge is to grant pardon to dismiss the charges brought against offenders. Peter alludes to this in our Scripture for today when he says, "Everyone who believe in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name" (Acts 10:43, New International Version). This is our hope. We do not claim that we are without guilt; we have confidence that the judge will extend forgiveness to us who believe.
God does not forgive grudgingly. He forgives completely, totally, forever. Our hope for salvation rests in the fullness of God's forgiveness.
PRAYER THOUGHTS: O Father, we rejoice in the knowledge of Your grace and in the magnitude of Your promises to us. May our lives praise Your holy name and glorify Your Son, who is our Redeemer. Amen.
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