Monday, 18th February 2024

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: JUDGE NOT

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Judge not, that you be not judged.” – Matthew 7:1

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why do we easily judge others?
2. What should we do if others miss the mark?

Jesus came to fulfil the law. However, he left us with higher and superior principles to guide the Christian life. One of those principles is this: "Thou shalt not judge, so you're not judged (Matt 7:1).

There's a higher wisdom in this principle.

Judah was the fourth son of Jacob, and he had three sons with a Canaanite woman. It came to pass that the firstborn of Judah, named Er (Gen 38:3), married a woman by the name of Tamar (Gen 38:6). Unfortunately, Er died before he and Tamar could have a child because he was wicked (Gen 38:7). According to custom, the second son had to marry Er's widow and raise children in the name of his elder brother (Gen 38:8) so that the name of his late brother was not blotted out under the heavens. However, Onan, the second born of Judah, knowing that every child born to Er's widow would not belong to him, decided never to impregnate Tamar by practicing coitus interruptus (Gen 38:9).

This selfishness displeased the Lord. Therefore, Onan also died for this (Gen 38:10), not having raised children in his elder brother's name.

Now, the only remaining son of Judah was too young to marry Tamar, hence, she was asked to go and live with her parents until the appropriate time. After many years, Judah forgot about Tamar, even though his only son was old enough to marry her. Then something unfortunate happened. Judah lost her daughter, and he was very devastated. He decided to visit his site, where his sheep were being sheared. Tamar, wanting justice, dressed as a prostitute and sat in the way, and Judah found her (Gen 38:14). Thinking she was really a prostitute, Judah booked a time with her and gave her his signet, staff, and bracelets (Gen 38:18) as a pledge because he did not have money on him. Then something interesting happened. Tamar got pregnant out of this affair. When Judah heard it, he quickly concluded, "Bring her forth and let her be burned." Tamar replied Judah by sending the items of pledge to him with these words, “I am pregnant with the man whose items are these.” Judah was embarrassed and confessed, “She has been more righteous than I…” (Gen 38:25-26).

Beloved, it takes two to tango, and the impregnated is as guilty as the impregnator. Moreover, it is easy to judge others and say that they do not deserve forgiveness or they deserve hell damnation.

It is easy to say someone deserves to die, just as Judah pronounced on Tamar. But it is better to examine your own ways when you hear those of others to see whether you are without sin. It is better to pray for the one who has fallen than to castigate him. It is better to correct, instruct, and reprove with all humility than to act self-righteously or hypocritically. Your iniquities are not publicly known today, but that does not make you a judge. If you have enjoyed grace, be compassionate at the hearing of the fall of others. Wives, be compassionate with your husbands, and likewise, husbands. Let fellow believers be compassionate towards one another. Just be compassionate to your neighbor, and judge not, so you are not also judged. Lest you be judged by the same standard you’ve used to judge others. God bless you.

 

FURTHER READING – Matthew 7:1-5

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How have you been helpful to a brother or sister who ever missed the mark?

 

PRAYER

Precious Holy Spirit, please help me to be compassionate with everyone around me, especially when they miss the mark. I receive your help to be quick to help others rise up when they fall, in Jesus’ name. Glory Hallelujah!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Exodus 29; Psalm 85; Psalm 86; Mark 14