The Righteous Judge

Morning is breaking outside my window, and I haven't slept a wink.

I think it was a combination of tea, coffee, and dwelling on things that I can’t control. Yes, taking my burden to the Lord is easy, but leaving it there can be a struggle.

When you are accused of doing things you did not do, saying things you did not say, and thinking things you did not think, it’s hard to let it go and let the Righteous Judge sort it all out in his time and in his way.

When you are accused of hurting someone, but you would never purposefully or knowingly hurt even a stranger, it’s hard to let it go and leave it in the hands of the Righteous Judge to sort it all out in his time and in his way.

When the accuser says, “guilty as charged,” without ever allowing you to speak, or even listen, it’s hard to let that go, and turn out the light, and accept that you’ve done your best, and there is nothing more that you can do to bring peace and harmony to the situation. Maybe it shouldn't be hard, but sometimes, it is.

I wanted to share this poem, penned by Missionary Nona Freeman, after her husband was wrongly accused of something years ago. It holds such truths for anyone who has been falsely accused, or misjudged, or wronged. If you’re in that group, I hope it gives you strength for another day, or maybe another night.

JESUS KNOWS THE SCORE

One never raises their reputation by lowering the name of others.

Have you ever been caught in a web you didn't weave,

or involved in conditions that are hard to believe?

Have you felt you must speak and explain or deny,

a story that's groundless, or a small, whispered lie?

Have you ever heard rumors you would like to refute,

or some telltale gossip you would like to dispute?

Well, don't be upset for Jesus knows the score,

and with God as your judge, you need worry no more.

For men may misjudge you, but God's verdict is fair.

He looks deep inside, and He is clearly aware

of every small detail in your pattern of living.

And always He's lenient and fair and forgiving.

And knowing that Jesus is your judge and your jury,

frees you completely from man's falseness and fury.

Secure in this knowledge, let your thoughts rise above

man’s shallow judgements that are so empty of love.

God's goodness and greatness in judging all men

on Judgment Day will clear you then.

I hope your weekend is a good one, my friend. Keep returning good for evil and loving those who do you wrong. God knows the truth, and that's really all that matters.