Not Judging and Retribution

A bit of explanation, please. When I’m reading my Bible in the mornings, these thoughts I write down are only the first resulting ideas from the scriptures read. I also put a limit on length of one standard Microsoft Word page length.

With those limitations, there are times when only one facet of a multi-faceted jewel is displayed. Yesterday’s post is a prime example, and Bro. Brad noted a lack of depth. I do appreciate his mentioning the differences.

His reference was: But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. [1 Corinthians 2:15 KJV] is not only appropriate, but reminded me of a favorite verse.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. [Acts 17:11 KJV]

We are supposed to search the scriptures for truth, and we are also to be able to judge the truth of other matters. We have been told that our ability to judge will be put to good use.

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? [1 Corinthians 6:2-3 KJV]

What I believe we are NOT to do is tied within a non-biblical word, retribution. Retribution is justly due. The punishment perceived is deserved, repayment would be demanded, but it is owed to God, not to us. Two good examples have to do with women in the Bible.

They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. [John 8:4-7 KJV]

Retribution – the deserved punishment – was due and defined by law given by God. The execution of that law was displayed by His Son in His mercy.

She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. [John 8:11 KJV]

Christ knew the full sinfulness of the Samaritan woman.

For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. [John 4:18 KJV]

Instead of retribution from this knowledge, witnessing to others resulted.

The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. [John 4:28-30 KJV]

Still, the subject of judging deserves more study – another bit will come tomorrow.

"La Samaritaine a la fontaine" by James Tissot (ca 1890) (Wiki Commons)