One of the most favorite verses to quote, from either a secular or Biblical position is found in the Messiah’s “sermon on the mount.” I believe it has become a favorite for some in that it seems to give a free pass to those who want to ignore poor decisions and not come under judgment because of it. Maybe you too have fired back towards someone with this all-time favorite verse. It goes like this, “Do not judge lest you be judged yourself.” (Matt. 7:1) Sound familiar? So, why does Yeshua make this statement in light of the Torah instruction to actually appoint judges?
In the study of Shoftim, we find Yahweh instructing Israel to appoint not just a few judges, but a judge in every town. These judges are to “judge righteously.” (Deut 16:18) But, is it even possible for a human to judge righteously? We all know that man’s heart is evil. So, can we even count on a judge to give a verdict that we want? Why would Yah set up a judge system knowing full well that errors can easily occur?
In looking at both the Torah and the renewed covenant, I think it is plain to see that these two concepts are not one in the same. Messiah’s referral to “not judge lest you be judged” carries the meaning of condemning, criticizing, concluding and determining. It addresses a person with a self-righteous spirit that seeks to point out the unrighteousness of another person. In this context, the Messiah is asking the one who is doing the condemning to consider their own walk before they inject themselves onto someone else’s walk.
The judge system as given in the Torah refers to authorities, arbitrators, a reviewer, a referee or an umpire if you like. In this context, Yahweh spells out the qualifications for the people who are to judge. In doing so, it is expected for those who are seeking a verdict to submit themselves to the process of finding justice for a wrong done. In this consideration, a judge is a person who knows the law then applies that law without personal bias—at least hopefully.
The key to the question of what is judgment, might be found through a process of measurement for the person who is condemning another. Reading further into Matthew 7, we find that Yeshua tells his listeners to consider a log and a speck when measuring a guilty verdict imposed on someone. It’s a standard to follow. Often, due to our own sin, we are very capable of seeing even the smallest part of sin in another person. We may recognize it because someone else’s sin may be a sin that is very familiar to us. Since it is familiar, we could very easily be “on guard” to make sure it doesn’t happen again or maybe we actually prefer drawing attention away from ourselves onto another.
In the fifth verse of Matthew 7, Yeshua makes this statement, “. . . take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly enough to take the speck out of your brothers eye.” In His words, Yeshua is not saying we can’t judge, but He is saying to deal with yourself before you deal with another. He wants us to see clearly. If you think about it logs can actually take up a lot of space in our eyesight. Does righteous judgment require us to be righteous first? And if so, what will that take for this to happen?
Logs have a tendency to float on a body of water for a period of time, they can even get stuck in a log jam. Logs are often heavy to carry—even cumbersome. On the good side, logs can be helpful in building things like cabins or fences. What type of log is in your eye? Either way, we are in sore need of a Messiah that will cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If any of us are feeling a little log jammed, I’m thinking we should hold our tongue and even our thoughts. And if your log has you feeling heavy, please don’t require others to feel your misery. Personally, I would advise the use of logs as a bridge of communication. Let your logs be built for making a house or a bridge and watch unity among brethren grow again.
If you want to be a judge, remember the key elements of righteous judgment before you take up the call.
- A person has a right to face their accuser and the accusation against them. Acts 25:16 & Matt. 8:15
- There must be two to three witnesses to condemn someone. Their witness must be in real time, not from hearsay or words from another. Deut. 17:6, 19:15 & Matt. 18:16
- Your judgment must be free from any appearance of prejudice, bribery, or favoritism. Deut. 16:19
- Judgment seeks to restore. Gal. 6:1
Be Blessed,
Rollyn