Judgment Delayed Is Judgment Denied?
I cannot imagine being a family member whose relation was the victim of a violent crime. The wheels of justice move mightily slow even if the perpetrator is caught in the first place.
One of my favorite television shows is “Forensic Files” where DNA evidence is used to prove guilt or absolve the innocent. Before this method of scientific crime analysis became commonplace in the early 1990s, many people went to their graves not knowing if the guilty would ever be caught let alone punished for their crimes.
Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil — Ecclesiastes 8:11 (NASB)
As a Christian, I can feel that justice isn’t being meted out in a timely fashion or at least in a time frame I would like. One only needs to pick up the Bible and read some of the atrocities mentioned to wonder where God’s hand was in all of that. Where was His hand of judgment against those who killed babies, brutalized nations, plundered the poor and others?
But, I also know that if God were quick to judge, I would have long ago been found guilty and been separated from Him for all eternity. And you know what? You would have been too.
I realize that this may not be much of a consolation for the suffering family and I have no answer on how they should manage their lives during such trying times. But, I do know that:
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit — Psalm 34:18 (NASB)
Far be it from me to tell anyone how to handle their grief let along manage their lives. Thankfully, we have someone who is very familiar with what we go through, the innocent Lamb of God who took away our sins:
You have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls – First Peter 2:21-25
Judgment is coming and when it arrives it will be swift, thorough and final. No DNA will be needed — God searches the heart and will render his verdict with decisive authority.
When I’m judged, I want the Ruler of the Universe to intervene on my behalf. How about you?
Photo Credit: Stephen Stacy
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Dr.Bruce | March 11th, 2009 at 11:28 am #
Don’t forget that the Eccl passage refers to the sons of men. In the New Testament, the children of God are called to a higher standard than revenge.
Also, remember that God has delayed judgment for over 2000 years out of mercy and grace.
One of the results of the new DNA technology is that prisoners of many years are being released. So, while I sympathize with families and victims of violent crime, perhaps the grinding pace of our legal system is not entirely bad.
BTW, as a new reader on you blog I appreciate you perspective and insight.
Blessings
Lillie Ammann | March 11th, 2009 at 5:01 pm #
Amen!
Matt | March 12th, 2009 at 4:50 am #
@ Dr Bruce — I always thought the “sons of men” referred to the race of people who lived on earth in the very early days, actually the “sons of God, daughters of men” theory in Genesis. All that aside, I’m happy to bask in God’s mercy and can patiently wait for Him to sort everything out in His time, not mine.
@ Lillie — Amen, back at you!
Joel | March 13th, 2009 at 8:45 am #
I think God made us in His likeness and not like him is to differentiate us from the level of God. He gave us all imperfections. He is of a higher level otherwise we will be all gods. Forgiveness has to be matched with remorse otherwise why should we forgive?
Revenge is not justice, justice is when a criminal shares the same emotional and physical deprivation the victims experience. God never forgives without remorse from the sinner. That is why the unrepentant is condemned to eternal damnation.