I had a recent heated discussion with a friend ( who I will name "Candy" for the sake of this post ) about judging.
Candy is "unsaved", and God has "firmly placed" her in my life. Why? In order to reveal the "peaceable fruit of righteousness" to her. In other words, be a living testimony of His Kingdom to her, so she will have no excuse when she stands before God and is sentenced to Hell forever.
We were discussing Casey Anthony and her release today. Candy said she didn't judge her, and in fact she believed that NO MAN should be allowed to judge. Only God should judge, that's it. In essence, so what if Casey Anthony gets off free and clear for the crime of killing her daughter!
My answer?
If we should not judge, why do we have police, detectives, courts and jails? The system of jurisprudence was set up by God Himself in the Old Testament! It started with the Ten Commandments and continues through Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy! If God had not meant for man to judge, why did he lay down some many laws and establish institutions to carry them out?
To keep humanity in check! If man had no laws to keep him/her ( because females are just as wicked a males these days. . . . ) in check, sinful man would simply run wild, turn into savages and barbarians! They would literally "prey" on the weaker ones, the way lions prey on the gazelle on the African plains!
How would you like to be "prey" for someone to just pick off?
The justice system and government is even mentioned in the New Testament! Romans 13:1-5 ( NIV Version ) says:
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.
4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
". . . .For rulers do not bear the sword in vain ( or for no reason ) . . . . ." speaks of the police officer who has the authority to carry a gun. He is not carrying it for show. He/she was elected by God to use a firearm if necessary to execute justice/judgment against someone who is breaking the law. And yes if necessary, take them down.
Another reason God gave the laws to The Nation of Israel, because He wanted "His People" to be different then the surrounding nations. The surrounding nations were hedonistic, worshiped other gods, did whatever they wanted, were brutal, murderers, etc. Because they did not recognize the Most High God, they were left to their own devises and turned lawless societies where people preyed upon one another. Sound familiar? God did NOT want His people behaving and living in such a manner.
The other more precious reason God gave the law is to show that man, in his frail and weak humanity cannot keep those laws. From the moment he opens his eyes to the moment he closes his eyes, man sins. The only way to totally cleanse man from sin is through the Blood Of Jesus Christ and no other.
God used the law to bring man to the realization that he needs Jesus. . . . . .
As for the Casey Anthony. Man was given a chance to judge her and they failed, so now God will take over. From here on anything can happen. . . . . . .
The bible says: "It is a fearful thing to be in the hands of the Lord. . . . ." Judgment you cannot escape.
