The Just King

For Friday, January 26, 2007
Proverbs 20:8

A king who sits on the throne of judgment
winnows all evil with his eyes.

So is the task of a just king or a just judge. He listens well and he is a keen observer. He notes the wink or eyes averting his gaze. He sees the smile of arrogance and the nervous twitching of the liar. He sees through the exterior into the heart. Such is the task of the one who rules and judges justly.

If only we had many such judges. It is a skill few have either out of ineptness or corruptness. How difficult it is to rule and judge well when one has his own guilt and sinfulness to deal with, as well as limitations.

All the more be thankful for the King and Judge who rules in perfect justice and righteousness. And yet such a thought should bring terror to our hearts, except that this same King and Judge is merciful and wise. In his mercy and by his wisdom he has provided the means by which we who are wicked may stand before him and be declared just. Those who do not understand this mercy will claim that it is a cheap grace that lets sinners off the hook. Those who do understand it are simply moved to bow before such incredulous mercy and wisdom and all the more strive to live righteous and just lives. There are those who try to "work the system" and make his mercy work for them while they secretly hold on to their sin. But, the "king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes."