Hating the Judge

I was offered a menace some time ago. It was not likely carried out, and neither was it for my faith, though God knows there are many Christians the globe over for whom such threats are enthusiastically made good. No, I was in a courtroom. The man in the dock made it clear he cared little for British justice and strung together angry sentences using the most offensive and obscene words. The way he included so many whilst not losing his meaning was quite impressive; the man obviously had talent, or many years’ practice. He assured me he would ignore whatever the Bench said; I assured him he would not, for he was going to custody. He replied, mouth foaming and eyes flashing, that if there was no thick glass between the two of us he would kill. I said that thankfully the glass was there and bade him good-bye. Off he went, swearing, cursing, threatening and raging. Perhaps he was a little calmer that evening, while in receipt of Her Majesty’s hospitality. He was not taken to the palace, but our Queen is known to maintain a number of fine establishments about the country boasting a number of spare en-suite rooms.

The incident caused me to reflect on the coming Day of Judgement. Will the sinners who reject the gospel and receive due sentence hear it with sadness and melancholy, recalling the times they scoffed and ignored Christian witness? Or will they, like my friend, snarl and rage, deeply resenting their Judge’s righteousness, revelling fully in their unrestricted corruption and unabashed malice?

I cannot answer. What I can anticipate is my own reaction to standing before Christ; that I, so wicked and vile, should be loved and redeemed by One so pure and beautiful.

Amazing grace, How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now I am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

The Lord has promised good to me

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.