Reading: Romans 2:5-11
Reflective Thoughts
The impartial judgment of God
February is Black History Month-and today is National Freedom Day–when our nation celebrates the milestones and the people who walked the long road from slavery and racism to freedom. Ethnic diversity is no longer a legal basis for judgment in the United States-and it’s not the basis on which God will judge us either!
Our reading this morning acknowledges that there are different ethnicities. There are Jews and there are hundreds of others (Gentiles). But when God judges the world, there will only be two divisions of people. The first division consists of those people who, because of stubbornness, refuse to recognize God’s rich kindness and patience. They never realize that they are guilty of sin and need a Redeemer. Everything they do, therefore is being stored up against them as evidence of their guilt for a great day in “court” when they stand before a righteous judge.
The second division is of those who, because of their patient endurance, do good and seek that which lasts forever. They will inherit eternal life, glory, honor and peace. Notice that what is highlighted here is the heart condition that precedes each set of behaviors: a stubborn refusal toward God or perseverance in faith. These qualities are what define the two kinds of people in the end and the basis of their reward or judgment. God’s judgment, therefore, is impartial for the Jew, for me and for you. What is your heart condition?