 [Jesus said:] “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 12:31-32 ESV The world runs on judgment. Every day, we are told of new scandals, new offenses, and new enemies to hate. The declaration of the world’s judgment is swift and often harsh. The world expects submission in life to its particular standard with no mercy for the offender.
Like the world, we judge others. We set our expectations for what it means to be a Christian, regularly cutting off those who offend us. We act and speak as though we have life figured out, then push away others who don’t measure up. If any criticize, we turn away and write them off as lost. If someone has hurt us, we send them away with no chance of reconciliation. But our standards are misguided, resting on what we call good. God’s Law in its perfection demands more than we can give or do. We do not “fear, love, and trust in God above all things,” but trust in our actions, our decisions, and our strength to meet the Law’s demands. Based on our obedience, we can only be judged and found wanting: cast out, cut off, lost forever. The ruler of this world (Satan) preys upon this. He seeks to destroy any trust in God, to multiply sin and division, and to ensure you despair in your sin or try to hide it. He wants you away from God’s love. But your eternal life and hope is not built upon your goodness. This is the truth: the Lord Jesus Christ took all your sin upon himself, dying on the cross for your sins! You are forgiven! The judgment of your sin is already complete. Nothing can stand between you and Jesus. Not your sin. Not Satan. Not the world’s standard of judgment. Nothing. Jesus Christ purchased and won you, “not with gold or silver, but with His holy precious blood, and with His innocent suffering and death.” In Baptism, you are united with Christ in his death and you are raised with Him to new life, to “live before God in righteousness and purity forever.” We now live with one another through forgiveness, not executing judgment based on our standards or the world’s standard, but ever confessing Christ who died for the sins of the whole world and for you. As Christ was rejected and afflicted, we will encounter those who reject this forgiveness, who continue to judge based on their standard; pray for them and endure suffering while looking to Christ. The Holy Spirit draws you to the crucified Christ: to walk by faith in Christ Jesus and trust in the promise that in Him there is forgiveness of sin, eternal life, and salvation! Peace be with you. Pastor Joel Ripke Note: If you are burdened by guilt or a broken relationship is weighing upon you, the rite of Individual Confession and Absolution (LSB p. 292-293) is available for you to hear directly the pure truth: Your sins are forgiven. Contact Pastor Burma or Pastor Ripke to schedule an appointment or to learn more about this wonderful gift to Christ’s Church.
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