THE ONE AND ONLY RIGHTEOUS JUDGE

Last Friday, I read a disturbing posting on Facebook, which literally grieved my spirit.  The posting was follow-up commentary on an ‘article’ written by a scandalous website whose apparent mission is to systematically smear churches and leaders.  The Facebook writer was prophetically pontificating, pursuant to the report of a midwest pastor’s death near the end of his Sunday worship service.

The writer clearly implied that this deceased Pastor was one of a number whom he “prophesied” about, i.e. that “God was going to start taking preachers right out of the church!”  The writer went on to say, “This is the 10th one this year!  All of them died right in the church!  The WRATH of God is made manifest!”  He concluded with a tersely worded statement:  “You still think it’s PLAY-TIME leaders?  Still wanna hide behind the Clergy Collar, and do your dirt?  HMMMMM?  You might just be next in line!”  One respondent, a prophetic-tag-along,  immediately joined the chorus: “I received a word that was very similar.  I have heard of pastors dropping dead in the pulpit.  God is not playing when He says…judgment starts at the house of the Lord.”

From my perspective, this condemnatory discourse was absolutely inappropriate and totally out-of-line with the Word of God.

Scripture certainly instructs us to “despise not prophesyings.” (I Thessalonians 5:20)  So be assured: that is not what I am doing here.  I am a firm believer in the validity of prophetic utterances that comport harmoniously with the Word of God.  Ultimately, there are at least two litmus tests that we must apply to any prophecy: 1) Is it an accurate reflection of God’s will as revealed in scripture; and, 2) If it is a foretelling (as opposed to a forth-telling), did the prophecy come to pass?

I communicated (both publicly and privately) with the writer shortly after he issued his implicit and public condemnation of the deceased pastor.  He informed me that he is not personally acquainted with the pastor, i.e. he has never met him and knows nothing at all about him.  Wow!  Jesus Christ said “by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:20)  If you “know” nothing about this man’s life or ministry, how could you possibly feel comfortable posting a public judgment about his life and death, especially since you eventually admit that your ‘prophecy’ was not necessarily about him, but about “nine other pastors, three of which died out of the will of God, [and] this [midwest pastor’s death] ended up happening…the same way.”

Only GOD is qualified to make such statements.  The writer’s actions represent the height of recklessness and insensitivity, especially since his statements were made in a public venue (indeed a global venue) and might even be read by the deceased pastor’s immediate family, church members and friends.

Here is a portion of my response to the accusatory clergyman: 1) The Word of God clearly instructs us: “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.” (I Timothy 5:19)  Have you followed that mandate?  2) You indicated in an inbox message to me that you do not even know the St. Louis pastor.  Therefore, even if God gave you a specific word about “evil leaders in the pulpit,” it is utterly insensitive and rash for you to post this on the notice of this pastor's death. After all, he has family and members who love him and would be hurt by such cold commentary.  3) The source of the above article is obnoxioustv.wordpress.com.  Seriously?!?!?  The name and reputation of that site should provide (at a minimum) a marginal degree of skepticism about the value and integrity of 'whatever' they have to say.  4) Finally, I make no judgments on your gift of prophecy, but you should fervently pray about and utilize the WISDOM OF GOD while using this or any other spiritual gift.  If I am offensive, please forgive and overlook me.  But enough is enough when it comes down to divisiveness and division within the Body of Christ!

The Apostle Paul referred to the Lord Jesus Christ as “the righteous judge.” (II Timothy 4:8)  In the words of “the righteous judge,” believers should “judge not, that ye be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1)  Dr. Luke also records Christ’s clear admonition: “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)  I reference two additional scriptures (below) for your prayerful consideration:

I Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

James 4:11

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

Almighty God is the one and only righteous judge!  The tone of today’s devotional is somewhat atypical since I hold an intense sense of conviction that the Body of Christ must operate in unity and in harmony, more so now than ever before.  We cannot exhaust our time and energies on trivial pursuits, especially on nonsense that plays into the enemy’s agenda of nullifying our witness and our ability to build the Kingdom of God.  If you disagree with what I have said, just pray for me.  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed!