By Andrew Williams
Series: He Is (Week 3: The Names of His Righteous Character)
Opening Prayer
Righteous Judge, we find comfort and hope in the truth that You will one day make all wrong things right.
Today’s Scripture (NLT)
Psalm 96:13
“Let the whole world sing for joy, because the Lord is coming. He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the nations with his truth.”
The idea of God as Judge can sometimes make us feel fearful. But the Psalmist declares that the whole world should “sing for joy” because the Lord is coming to judge. This is because Shaphat, “The Judge,” is a name of great hope for those who love God.
This name reveals God’s perfect justice and moral authority. Our world is filled with injustice, corruption, and oppression. The name Shaphat is a promise that this is not the final word. A day is coming when God will judge the world with perfect “righteousness” and “truth.” He will right every wrong, vindicate the oppressed, and hold the wicked to account.
To know God as Shaphat is to be able to release our need for personal vengeance and to trust in His ultimate justice. It gives us comfort in the face of the world’s brokenness, knowing that a perfectly just and good Judge is on the throne. For the believer, covered by the righteousness of Christ, the coming of the Judge is not a cause for fear, but for joyful anticipation of final justice.
Disciple’s Life Tip: Interact with God as Shaphat. Is there a situation of injustice in the world or in your own life that is grieving your heart? In prayer, release that situation into the hands of Shaphat, the righteous Judge, and trust Him to bring about His perfect justice in His perfect time.
Closing Prayer: Shaphat, my righteous Judge, I praise You for Your perfect justice. Help me to live with hope and without fear, trusting that You will one day make all things new and all things right. Amen.
