HOST: Ron House
SPONSOR: Start2Finish
“And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”
Jesus’ teaching in these verses has a very practical application for everyday life: when dealing with a complaint or disagreement between would-be adversaries, it is better to solve it and reconcile before taking it through an official proceeding before a judge. Doing so can eliminate much of the animosity, trouble, and penalty that a legal course can create. However, Jesus has a deeper and greater meaning to His teaching than earthly quarrels and judges. He is speaking to those who have rejected Him, and who stand in opposition to God’s law and authority through their hypocrisy. Because of their sins, they have an appointment with the great and mighty Judge of the world. Jesus advises them that it is in their best interest to be reconciled to God before that appointment, since it will otherwise surely end in their eternal punishment. When it comes to our appointment with God (and we all have one), we can either stand before Him as a guilty sinner before a righteous Judge, or as a forgiven child before a merciful Father. Just as with those of Jesus’ day, the choice is ours.
What is involved in being reconciled to God?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
