Understanding Judgment

Understanding Judgment

Read: Luke 6:24-26

“Woe to you who are rich, . . . who are well fed now, . . . who laugh now, . . . when all men speak well of you.”

Luke 6:24-26

“Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth.”

—A. W. Tozer

IN WORD These are indicting words. We can wholeheartedly agree when Jesus pronounces woe upon the self-righteous Pharisees. But the rich? That describes almost all Americans, by worldwide standards. The well fed? Ditto. Those who laugh? Anyone who is mentally sound does that. Those of whom others speak well? Most of us have a decent reputation. What exactly is Jesus trying to say here? And why do His descriptions sound an awful lot like us?

We should not dismiss these woes too quickly. We know from other Bible passages—which Jesus never contradicts—that there is nothing inherently wrong with wealth, food, laughing, and a good reputation. But these are sobering warnings. Those who take comfort in their wealth, food, pleasure, and reputation—and who ignore God because of them—will be tragically sorry. There is something inherently ungodly and dangerous in complacency, and all of these characteristics cultivate complacency. If you have them, handle them with care; they are gifts from God, blessings given entirely by the grace of His goodness and not on your merit. They are no cause for pride, only for humble gratitude.

IN DEED Regardless of how much money you have, know that you stand before God with absolutely nothing to offer in exchange for His blessing. You are entirely dependent on grace. Regardless of how much food you eat, know that you stand before God wholly dependent on the bread of His Word; it alone sustains your life. Regardless of the quality of your positive outlook, let your rejoicing be primarily in the pleasure of His fellowship. And regardless of your prestige, know that you stand completely dependent on the reputation of God’s Son for the Father’s favor. Never lose sight of your poverty, and you will never experience these judgments.