JUDGE NOT

We must be so careful not to presume anything. The following two stories reveal the danger in being quick to judge others and making false assumptions.

God told the Prophet Samuel to go to Bethlehem and find the man Jesse. God would then show him Jesse’s sons and the one that Samuel would anoint as king. Samuel saw the first son and was sure he was the one, but the LORD said to Samuel, Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him.The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart (I Samuel 16:7 NLT).

Samuel stood before each of Jesse’s seven sons and God did not confirm any. So Samuel asked if Jesse had any other sons. He answered that David, the youngest of brothers was tending the flocks, so he was quickly summoned. When David stood before Samuel, God confirmed that the young boy was to be anointed king of Israel. He would grow in faith and stature under that anointing, and years later, he would become king.

This next story is another perfect example of not judging another by appearance, because the Lord looks at the heart:

A pastor, wanting to know the heart of the congregation he would be pastoring, transformed himself into a homeless man and went that Sunday to the church to be introduced as the head pastor. He walked around the church as people were coming for the morning service and said hello as they entered the church. But he was greeted with cold, judgmental stares and dirty looks. Only three people returned his greeting. He told some that he was hungry and asked for change to buy food. Not one responded.

He then sat down in the front of the church but was told by the ushers that he would need to sit in the back of the church. He complied and listened to the announcements for that coming week. New visitors were heartily welcomed, but the congregation’s faces showed their scorn and disapproval for what they saw was a dirty vagrant.

Then the elders of the church went to the podium. "We would like to introduce to you our new Pastor." The congregation stood to their feet clapping with joy and anticipation. The “homeless man” sitting in the back stood up and walked down the aisle. All the clapping stopped, and the church grew silent. With all eyes on him, he took his place on the altar and reached for the microphone. He remained quiet for a moment and then eloquently recited the following scripture:

“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited Me in, I needed clothes, and you clothed Me, I was sick, and you looked after Me, I was in prison, and you came to visit Me. Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or needing clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and go to visit You? ’The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for Me.’”

After he recited the scripture, he introduced himself as their new pastor and told the congregation what he had experienced that morning. Many began to cry and bow their heads in shame. He then said, "Today I see a gathering of people, but I do not see Jesus in this church. The world has enough people that look the other way. What the world needs are disciples of Jesus that can follow His teachings and live as He did. When will YOU decide to become disciples?” He then dismissed the service.

Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? (Matthew 7:1-3)

Today’s world is growing more hostile to the things of God. We see angry people rioting and harming others and property. Wars and rumors of wars are constant news items. The Middle East is volatile. The homeless, many being vets who served our country, have been discarded, sleeping on the streets without food or shelter. However, Jesus warned of these days:

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV).

Jesus gave his disciples a clear commission before He ascended into heaven: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)

What is a disciple? The New Oxford American Dictionary defines disciple as a follower, supporter, believer, devotee, pupil, student, learner, and advocate for Christ. Therefore, if we call ourselves Christians, then as His disciples, our lives and actions should glorify God as we reflect His love and hope in a world that is hurting and cannot find due North that leads to God.

PRAYER: FATHER, help me to make disciples by sharing Your love and hope with the lost and hurting. May I never allow my eyes or opinions to be the judge of others. So, I ask that You give me Your eyes to see hearts as You see them and Your wisdom to bless and share Your love and truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.