“Here Come da Judge”
There are many people who can repeat phrases from the Bible who may have never opened one in their life. One phrase I often hear repeated (and yes, I have said this myself): When someone goes into a dark room and flips on the light switch they will quote, “Let there be light.[ii]” Perhaps the person who quotes this hasn’t a foggy notion where the expression originates. These were the first words of our Creator in relationship to the world He created for us.[iii]
Many people may quote other portions of the Bible, such as “God is love,” or “Go thou and do likewise, [iv]” or here is the all-time favorite, “Judge not that ye be not judged,[v]” in full 17th century-King James vocabulary and self-righteous indignation. They may know you are a Christian, so when you show up in the middle of their garbage mouth or profligate lifestyle it’s like, “Here come da judge![vi]” in their mind if not in a verbal dart hurled in your direction.
True. Who am I to judge another? I ran into this anonymous quotation regarding judgment:
Judgment in the realm of condemnation is wrong; judgment in the realm of assessment is right; therefore, be honest without bringing harm to another. [vii]
Judgment of right and wrong is the prerogative of God; assessment is a tool God gives us to figure out what is right and wrong for our own lives. As well, right assessment may help us to engage with one who lives their lives for themselves focusing on passions, possessions, and position. In turn, we may be able to point them away from these temporary thrills and chills to the One who can give them hope, contentment, and a place at the table in His kingdom.
For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Matthew 7: 2
Jesus goes on to give the classic speck/log illustration in verses 3-5:
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Jesus pointed out in the passage, that when we “judge” others we are pronouncing judgment upon our own sins. This type of judgment is, according to Webster’s dictionary is:
…the final judging of humankind by God sinners awaiting Judgment: a divine sentence or decision specifically: a calamity held to be sent by God believed their bad luck to be a judgment upon them[viii].
If you follow Jesus’ line of thought, however, He goes on to talk about the “assessment” type of judgment as He expands His teaching from the Sermon on the Mount when he says:
You will recognize them by their fruits. Matthew 7: 16
or
…the tree is known by its fruit. Matthew 12: 33
So what should be the response to someone who hurls “Here come da judge” at us?
Think before you speak or give them a disapproving frown. Do not rebut or argue. Treat them with calmness and respect. More, as a believer, we have access to “spiritual fruit,” to show them the face of Jesus:
They hate/you love;
They’re crabby/you are joyful;
They exude turmoil/you are peaceful;
They’re impatient/you hang in there even when circumstance may never change;
They revel in evil/you do good;
They are dog-eat-dog/you dish out kindness;
They are disloyal/you remain faithful;
They are proud/you respond with humility;
They give in to feelings/you are self-controlled.
Christian brothers, never pay back someone for the bad he has done to you. Let the anger of God take care of the other person. The Holy Writings say, “I will pay back to them what they should get, says the LORD.” “If the one who hates you is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him water. If you do that, you will be making him more ashamed of himself.” Do not let sin have power over you. Let good have power over sin!
Romans 12: 19-21 (NLV)[ix]
By engaging others in this manner, we may assess their words and actions without condemnation while at the same time demonstrate what a life committed to Christ is all about. And maybe, just maybe, you won’t hear, “Here come da judge,” and judgment will be turned on its head.
Perhaps you have felt the judgment of Christians upon you. Know that God, alone, is the Judge. He knows where you are. Trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior, because God has judged Him in your place, so you may walk with Him.
Challenge: When the words are hurled at you for being judgmental, pray and think through your response. Then engage your challenger with the fruit of the Spirit.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, monitor my thoughts, motives, words, and actions so I may present the Lord Jesus Christ and His mercy to the unbelieving world.
[i] https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9heQNVv6Qo/V6t1T8O_9NI/AAAAAAAAIjo/g9nh4CoZtJoSAAs25vfC7hutYJLE2wSfACLcB/s1600/DaJudge.png
[ii] All Scriptures from English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise indicated.
[iii] Genesis 1: 3
[iv] See Luke 10: 37 King James Version (KJV)
[v] See Matthew 7: 1-5 King James Version (KJV)
[vi] Here Comes the Judge (Pigmeat Markham song) – Wikipedia
[vii] anonymous
[viii] JUDGMENT Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
[ix] Romans 12:19-21 NLV – Christian brothers, never pay back – Bible Gateway
