Are We Too Quick in Our Rush to Judgment?
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A rush to judgment
I’m troubled by how quickly people rush to judgment about reported injustices or wickedness. I see this with court cases tried in the media, alleged crimes, and the various government investigations that seem never-ending. There’s a rush to judgment without knowing all the details.
All people have a penchant for judgment. This is true worldwide. We are quick to judge or condemn someone as guilty or wrong at the slightest hint of wrongdoing. You and me. We all do it at some point.
We look for someone or something to blame when something goes wrong. We are especially quick to accuse or find fault with those who disagree with us or have a different view of things.
Yet, when we are accused, blamed, or condemned, we're quick to claim our own innocence, or at least justify ourselves in some way. When our wrong becomes clear, we'll quickly plead for mercy. And yet, we have a hard time extending mercy and forgiveness to those who seek it.
Yes, of course, we can all cite exceptions and claim our own innocence and rightness, But if we're honest, our heart of hearts tells us differently.
Scripture
For the choir director; al tashcheth; a psalm by Asaph; a song.
We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks. You are present, and your miracles confirm that.
When I choose the right time, I will judge fairly. When the earth and everyone who lives on it begin to melt, I will make its foundations as solid as rock. Selah
I said to those who brag, “Don’t brag,” and to wicked people, “Don’t raise your weapons. Don’t raise your weapons so proudly or speak so defiantly.”
The authority to reward someone does not come from the east, from the west, or even from the wilderness. [vss 1-6]
God alone is the judge. He punishes one person and rewards another.
A cup is in the Lord’s hand. Its foaming wine is thoroughly mixed with spices. He will empty it, and all the wicked people on earth will have to drink every last drop.
But I will speak about your miracles forever. I will make music to praise the God of Jacob.
I will destroy all the weapons of wicked people, but the weapons of righteous people will be raised proudly. [vss 7-10]
(Psalm 75:1-10 GW) [Context– Psalm 75]
Reflections and Insights
The presumption of innocence is a fundamental legal right in most governments throughout the world. This precedent of being innocent until proven guilty goes back to at least 6th-century Roman law, and is also present in Islamic law, most European nations, and the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is implied in the US Constitution as the basis for the right to a fair trial.
But history has shown that innocent people are too often falsely charged, condemned, and incarcerated, especially poor and oppressed people. But the rich and privileged often elude justice because they can afford high-powered lawyers who find legal loopholes for their clients to escape justice.
This psalm reminds us there is One true judge whose judgment is impartial. His judgment is according to His time, not ours. And the Lord can relate to us and the experience of injustice. Even the Roman governor Pilate knew Jesus was innocent (Matt 27:20-24).
When I was a young pastor facing accusations and criticism from others in the community, and even from people in the church, the Lord reminded me of how He handled that.
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:22-23 NIV)
Our consolation and confidence need to be in God when it comes to justice and mercy, not in governments, nor our self. Either we trust God as the righteous, sovereign, ultimate judge He is, or we don’t. As the psalmist says—God alone is the judge (vs 7).
Reflection—
When the impulse rises within us to accuse, blame, or condemn others, we need to remember, "God alone is the judge." Remember how Jesus handled unjust accusations, insults, and threats — ”He entrusted Himself to Him judges justly.”
Prayer Focus—
If you find yourself rushing to judgment, remember how you would want mercy rather than judgment when accused or in the wrong. Ask the Lord to give you a thankful heart for His mercy to you, and to give you the confidence to entrust any judgment to Him.
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