Day 35 – Judging the World
JOHN 18:33-36
Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked Him, “Are You the king of the Jews?”
“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about Me?”
“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “It was Your people and Your chief priests who handed You over to me. What is it You have done?”
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is from another place” (John 18:33-36).
Jesus was cross-examined by a very curious Pontius Pilate. The Roman Curator was amazed by the response he got. Jesus told him, “My kingdom is not of this world….” Jesus knew that the day will come when the scepter of judgment will change hands. Although Pilate had the power to sentence Jesus to death, Jesus’ comment must have frightened the governor.
Reflection
- Have you ever been asked to determine someone’s guilt or innocence?
- What questions would you ask Jesus if you could?
- Do you think our Lord will ask you questions when you finally meet Him faceto-face?
NAHUM 1:2-5
The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on His foes and maintains His wrath against His enemies.The Lord is slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of His feet. He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither and the blossoms of Lebanon fade. The mountains quake before Him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at His presence, the world and all who live in it (Nahum 1:2-5).
These verses reveal an all-powerful God who is more than capable of passing judgment and changing the course of our lives in an instant. How fortunate we are that the Lord is slow to anger, but will avenge those in need of protection. Imagine having that much power and authority. Let us be thankful that the Lord chooses mercy before judgment.
Reflection
- How would you behave if you had that much power?
- How do you respond to seeing the depths of God’s authority?
- Do you think this is the primary perspective many have of God? Why?
