Introduction
Judgement it is easy to do isn’t it? We sometimes do not think that we are doing it. Yet, God’s judgement is one of the many topics in the Bible that people are afraid of discussing. On this week’s observations from the scriptures, we will be tackling God’s Judgement.
Scripture
2 Kings 14 & 2 Timothy 4
Overview
2 Kings 14 – This chapter on the book of 2 Kings talked about the rise to power of Amaziah King of Judah from 796 – 767 BC. And of his counterpart, Jeroboam II King of Israel from 793 – 753 BC. In chapter 14, Amaziah conquered Edom killing the officials who associated his father and sparing their children following the Mosaic Law. Blinded by his recent victory, Amaziah challenged Jeroboam II to battle which caused him to be defeated, captured and exiled in Samaria.
2 Timothy 4 – This chapter started with the command to preach the Word, the need for it and Paul’s triumph and need. Paul reminded Timothy to preach God’s Word and to be ready to reprove, rebuke and exhort with patience and love, for there will be a time when people will not endure sound teachings. Paul encouraged Timothy to be always sober minded and patient and do his task as an evangelist. As any Letters by Paul this book ended with his updates and blessings to his fellows that help him in his mission on spreading the Gospel.
Observation
2 Kings 14:6 "… Father shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. But each one shall die for his own sin."
2 Timothy 4:14 "… the Lord will repay him according to his deeds."
Application
Have you noticed the difference between now and 7 months ago? For the past several months, the world was faced with a pandemic, wild fires, typhoons, floods, people rising against other people, and etc. You might have seen in the news the different chaos and calamities around the world. People have mix opinions about these issues. But no matter where you are living, there is definitely confusion on people’s emotions and way of thinking. Others are afraid of what is to come, while others try to adapt in the way they can to the changes happening. These current situations makes me reflect on three questions that some may or may not think about.
(1) Are we nearing the end of the world?
No, I am not going to predict when is the end of the world. But I know what the scriptures says about it. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3, “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night”, “no one knows the day nor the hour“ (Mt 24:42). For it is only God who knows when Jesus will return (Mt. 24:36). However, this does not mean that Jesus’ second coming will be a quiet one for it is also written that the heavens will pass with a roar (2 Peter 3:10) and every eye will see Him coming with the clouds (Rev. 1:7). But like any earthly father, our heavenly Father provided instructions for us through His scriptures.
(2) Are we ready to face God on His throne on the day of Judgement?
This question is definitely not a crowd favorite. People have lots of excuses just to avoid answering this query. “God will forgive me because He is a loving God.”, “I have been a good person, therefore I will be in heaven.” and “I do not believe that there is a God.” are some of the common answers we give when we talk about God’s Judgement day. Do these questions ring a bell? Have you used one or even all three in your lifetime? We often forget that God is indeed 100% love but He is also 100% just. He loves what is good and pure while hates sin and evil.
Our definition of “good person” is different from that of God. According to Romans 3:10-12, “no one is good, no not one… and no one seeks after God”. Furthermore, Isaiah 64:6 describes our righteousness as filthy rags. That is why God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. In that way, whoever repents and believes in God through Jesus Christ, “He will clothed them with the garment of salvation and wrapped us with (Jesus’) righteousness” (Is. 61:10).
One verse comes to mind when others say that God does not exist and that is Romans 1:25, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed fore ever. Amen”.
(3) Are we reflecting on our attitude knowing that soon we have to face God?
Everyone is saying life is to busy to make time for reading the Bible. I was once guilty of this. But my friends, let us not place God in our last priority. Rather, we should make time to have Him in the top of all our earthly priorities. Let us find time to have a quiet moment with Him and reflect on His word. Do not follow what the mystics say about emptying yourselves during meditation. For it is said, “Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself, for emptiness will be his payment.” (Job 16:31). Rather, “Delight yourselves in the Lord, and He will give the desires of your heart.” (Ps. 37:4).
Prayer
Almighty Father, sovereign of all, we take delight in you. We thank you for Your Son, Jesus Christ. For offering salvation through Him and clothing us with His righteousness. We ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us our sins that is a hindrance to our relationship with You. That we may be able to confess these sins and stand blameless, through Christ Jesus, on our judgement day. All these we pray in Jesus Christ our savior. Amen.
References:
2012. Chronological Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
1989. King James Bible. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
2010. The MacArthur Study Bible: English Standard Version. Crossway Publishing.
