I am often dismayed to see people flock to ministries promising wealth, miracles, and influence in the Name of God. The attendance numbers are staggering. Loud music along with a stage show entertains, while people wait in anticipation for the “apostle’s” words of encouragement while being reminded to give abundantly so they will receive blessings from above. Is this the gospel? Is this Yahweh?
This week I have a few concepts about helping you make judgments.
Believers are called to judge. The Hebrew meaning for judge is Shaphat (h8199). Which in context can mean to pronounce sentence and to govern. What does the Bible say about judging?
- The spiritual person judges all things. 1 Cor. 2:15 calls the believer to use discernment.
- Do not judge by appearances, but judge with righteous judgement. John 7:24 reminds us that righteous judgement is by the Word and open discussion. Not by gossip.
- We are to judge the fruit of members in the church (1 Cor. 5:12-13). This includes drunkenness, dividers, those that covet, immoral actions, and swindlers.
Allow Yahweh to judge. Shaphat also means to vindicate. Yahweh promises to do this as found in Isaiah 51. It is here that He reminds us to “awake and put on strength.”
- It is Yahweh who cuts the monster Rahab into pieces. (In this context Rahab takes on the meaning of Egypt or those who keep others in bondage. (Is. 30:1-7)
- Rahab also means pride and arrogance. Yahweh will judge those who are. (Ps. 89:9-10)
The Authority of Kings must succumb to the priesthood. (Deut. 17:18 & 1 Jn.1)
*Yeshua said, I am the way, the truth and the life. He is the living high priest. The one who does not submit to Yeshua will be judged.
Humbleness is the key to forming good judgement. John the Baptist directed people to Messiah, while not drawing attention to himself.
And John testified, saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. 33 And I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.” John 1: 32-34
Be Blessed,
Rollyn