Jury Duty

Colorado’s intent is to have an honorable justice system. Judges are elected differently than politicians running for office. They are rated on merit and then voted for by the public every four or six years.  By using this kind of system, judges remain independent from special interest groups and earn their keep through their job performance.    

​Sitting in the courtroom and listening to the judge emphasize the importance of listening and truth-telling, I could not help but feel gratitude for the opportunity to perform my civic duty.  For the first time in my life I was called to serve on jury duty.  It was an enlightening time learning how Colorado’s justice system is set up.  Unfortunately, it did not last long.  The court case to which I was assigned involved a company of which two other prospective jurors and I belonged.  We were instantly released from duty and sent home.  

Meditation
Psalm 89:14—Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; faithful love and truth go before You.

​Ethan the Ezrahite wrote Psalm 89 which is a Maskil with great contrast between verses 1-37 and 38-51.  From 1 Kings 4:31 we learn that Ethan was exceedingly wise and, as a Levite, lived during the time of Solomon.  One of the great things Ethan does for us is establish the power and faithfulness of God as He executes justice in love and truth.  

Imagine what it would be like to serve God if He was capricious—as fickle as the wind.  Suppose He cared nothing about justice and chose to treat His throne as a center of tyranny.  What if He was unfaithful in loving us?  What if truth was irrelevant and holiness was disposable?  How long do you think we would last?   Our sin could result in instant elimination.  Appearing before His throne would be an exercise of stark, raving fear.  

There is no other belief system on earth that is based on righteousness, justice, love and truth from its god(s).  Only the Bible offers the record of Yahweh and the application of grace extended through His Son.  For this reason we can live free of the bondage to fear and uncertainty so much of the world suffers.  This ought to motivate us to share the hope we have!  Indeed we serve a King who is always right, always just, always faithful in extending love and always truthful.  Knowing this should not just bolster our faith, it should motivate us to share Ethan’s observations.                

​Heaven will never call us to jury duty.  God the Father will judge each person. Because He is perfect and omniscient no person will be wrongly sentenced, no mistakes will occur.  Most importantly, because we have all erred, in Christ we have confidence in what verdict will be rendered.  “My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the Righteous One” (1 John 2:1).
 
Inspiration
Truth fears no trial.—Proverb
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©2017 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)