Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 5 - Monday
The Supreme Judge
Scripture Reading:
Genesis 18:25; Psalm 7:11; Psalm 50:6; Psalm 82:1; Psalm 96:10; 2 Timothy 4:1, 8
Reflection:
The Bible consistently reveals God as the Supreme Judge—the One who rules with absolute righteousness, justice, and truth. Abraham’s appeal in Genesis 18:25—“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”—captures the essence of divine justice. Unlike human judges, who can err or be swayed by emotion or influence, God’s judgments are always perfect. Psalm 7:11 declares that God is a “righteous judge,” one who “is angry with the wicked every day.” His anger is not arbitrary wrath but holy indignation against sin and injustice.
Psalm 50:6 tells us that “the heavens proclaim His righteousness,” for God Himself is Judge. His throne is not established on power alone but on righteousness and justice (Psalm 89:14). In Psalm 82:1, God stands in the divine assembly and judges among the rulers of the earth, holding all accountable for how they treat the poor, the weak, and the oppressed. This divine impartiality reminds us that God cannot be bribed, influenced, or deceived. Every motive, every secret act, every injustice is known to Him.
When we understand God as the Judge of the universe, it also gives perspective to the difficult question of divine war in Scripture. God’s judgments upon nations, including acts of war, were not impulsive acts of vengeance but measured responses to persistent rebellion and moral corruption. The conquest narratives, for instance, demonstrate that divine judgment comes only after centuries of mercy and opportunity for repentance. God’s justice is never cruel—it is always redemptive and restorative, seeking to purge evil so that righteousness and peace may flourish.
The gospel itself rests upon this truth. A God who never judges evil would be indifferent to suffering. But a God who acts in justice—who refuses to tolerate sin, oppression, and the exploitation of the innocent—reveals His deep love for creation. In Christ, judgment and mercy meet. Jesus bore the penalty of our sin so that the guilty might be forgiven, and the oppressed might find justice. Thus, divine judgment is not contrary to the gospel—it is the heart of it. The cross stands as the ultimate declaration that sin must be judged and that love will go to any length to redeem the sinner.
As 2 Timothy 4:1, 8 reminds us, Christ will return as the righteous Judge, rewarding those who have loved His appearing. For the faithful, that day will not be one of fear, but of vindication and joy. Until then, we are called to reflect His justice in our lives—to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).
Prayer:
Righteous Judge of all the earth, thank You that Your justice is pure, perfect, and full of mercy. Teach us to trust Your judgments, even when we do not understand them. Help us to live justly and love righteousness, defending the weak and showing compassion as You do. May we long for the day when Your perfect justice and peace will fill the earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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