Monday 21 February 2022

Psalm 82

Background

 I like the story of a man who was caught speeding and, as his driving was a danger to others, he was arrested and called to appear before the magistrate’s bench. Such was his protestation that the magistrates referred him for sentencing to the county court judge.

As the judge entered the court he recognised the man in the dock as his old friend. At the same moment the defendant felt a sense of relief as he thought that his friend would waive the matter aside.

However, being an honourable judge, he heard the case impartially and without prejudice and passed the appropriate sentence – a fine of £25,000. On hearing how much he would have to pay , the defendant felt his knees go weak and the ground give way, as he realised that there was no way he could afford such an amount.

The moment the judge’s gavel had hit the bench, he rose, took off his wig and gown and descended from his seat. Approaching the court attendant he took out his cheque book and paid the fine in full and then declared the defendant free to leave, debt paid, justice done.

Thus God treats us and so we are called to treat others. We make judgments maybe, but only from the point of view of God’s justice and God’s heart.

To Ponder:

• How do I decide how to respond when someone acts in a way I do not agree with or understand?
• Is there something I need to do to change my attitude from being judgmental to seeking to understand? 

Listen

‘We cannot measure how you heal’

Prayer

Gracious God, teach us to be kind, considerate, loving and fair in all things, to the glory of your name. Amen.