16
Misinterpretation leads to Judging Others
Rod Shimabukuro7Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. 8But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21
The victorious children of God inherits life but the others mentioned will inherit eternal damnation. This is the difference between the life and death decisions people will be facing in the last days . It’s not that easy though - as we think about day to day obstacles and spiritual opposition in these last days.
I need to be careful not to judge people into the categories mentioned. There is forgiveness, redemption through Jesus. I must remember the context of the entire book of Revelation. The choice to “live and choose a life of righteousness”, comes through the grace and purposes of God.
So I think the list of sinful people mentioned in Verse 8, refers to those who have heard the Gospel, given much opportunity for repentance - but have chosen to reject Jesus and live for sin. The preceding verses in 5 & 6 read: 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
- Jesus says I AM MAKING - I AM MAKING - - - HE IS MAKING...everything new! I take note of this life-securing phrase, ” To the thirsty I will give water without cost...“ Do people ”pay“ for this water or does He give without cost?
Misinterpretation could lead to me judging others!
Today, I really want to be careful not to make my Christianity a performance based objective to please God. Obedience obviously pleases God. But in relationship to me teaching others, especially non Christians and growing-new Christ followers, I’m warned to disciple people towards Jesus redemptive grace, teaching people to not quickly judge ”sinners“ as listed in v8.
I’m sooooooo very-very quick to judge, criticize others. I write people off too easily at times, because I make WRONG OBSERVATIONS of them, misinterpreting their hearts! YUK - Triple YUK!! I remember again...I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see...this is Jesus’ amazing grace!
Dear God of wonderful grace!
You are Grace!
You are Love!
You are the ultimate Judge over all!
Please - Please forgive me for taking the place of ”judge“ by being so judgmental of others. Thank You for Your great grace in my life. Help me to teach others to live lives of love, not judgement. Ohhhhh....help me to be Your role model!
