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Judgment is not ours
by Alfonso Abels God, according to the Bible and Christian principles, allow us not to judge. Judgment belong to the Lord`s. The word 'judge' appears at least 170 times in the Holy Scriptures. Nevertheless, one must able to discern.Satan can be extremely cunning and, if we are not alert, he can easily get away with 'murder'. Remember, we are only able to discern if we possess the spirit of discernment. The term discerns means 'to perceive clearly with the mind or senses'. This means that one need to observe (look around) with the eyes and sum up in the mind what is being seen. This is more spiritual in nature. The Jesus - Nathanael meeting is as good example. Jesus, before talking to Nathanael, already discerns and mentions his pureness. 'With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.' This verse`s given definition illustrates to us that discerning is of utmost importance. Jacob, within himself, knew of Rachel`s actions. If he said something on this matter was another case. Research need to be done to find the answer. However, the fact that there was a request for discernment is of importance. The presence of gods is the reason for the request. Judging is more physical (external) as people can assess by means of your actions that you are being judgmental. The scene where the vagrant turns up is a good example of this action. The other person (the vagrant) could sense (even see), in all probability, the critical assessment being made. No wonder God forbids us to judge people. Based on the explanation of the term judge, we can see that temptations to indulge in physical actions are very high. Many people, in fact, do so. The initial actions vary. The person taking the action determines the outcome of that particular action. Many times these actions lead to confrontations and bad relationships. Genesis 15:4 is the first time where the word judge appears in the Bible. God spoke to Abraham regarding the two great nations. God declared that one nation shall serve the other. Judgment shall befall the former. However, my opinion is that judgment first took place in the Garden of Eden. This happening is recorded in the book Genesis, Adam and Eve had an encounter (Genesis 3) with Satan in the Garden of Eden. Satan came in the form of a snake. He convinced Eve to eat from the forbidden tree. She then persuaded Adam to do likewise. Satan had in fact tested her character. He judged on what he saw. Can it be that Satan also possesses the spirit of discernment? Nevertheless, Eve`s character was found to be fallible. Was this weak point in Eve`s character a mistake from God? No, it was Satan`s presence and actions. Human nature had kicked in. Sin had made its first appearance. Man was from then to rely on the spirit of discernment. The judging of Satan`s doings are to be observed at all times. He did once and will try to do it again. A close relationship with God by means of conversion is vital. A spiritual shield of protection ensures this. DISCERN HIM !!! References: Kollmanberger S, 1996 1999, King James Version Bauckham R, France R.T, Maggay M, Stamdolis J, Thiede CP, 1989, Jesus 2000, Oxford: Lion Publishing, Oxford University Press, 1994, The Pocket Oxford Dictionary, Oxford: Oxford University Press Alfonso lives in Mamre, South Africa and is married to Jean. Both are born - again Christians. Alfonso is a full - time minister of the Word and author of Christian materials. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |