Bold Approach
Psa 7:8 KJV
(8) The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.
Psa 35:24 KJV
(24) Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.
A couple things are taking place when a bold approach is made to a seat of judgment- confidence is strong in one’s own position, but there is also a certainty, developed through experience, that the one sitting in the seat of judgment will make the right decision. While there may be elements of fallacy, a relationship has been established where honest pursuit of what is right will be met with mercy and a heart of forgiveness.
I was somewhat on edge about something my son had chosen to do yesterday. From my perspective it wasn’t the best of decisions and there was a part of me that wanted to really point out this problem and correct it. While there still may be some things we’ll be working on, I was taken aback somewhat by the approach of my son to me at this critical time when he had a pretty good idea how I felt. Instead of avoiding me and hoping to somehow avert any confrontation, he came right up to me and began to speak to me about something that was motivating him, even though I could tell he was a bit sheepish about his other situation. While I’ll admit he’s probably very good at wrapping me around his little finger, I believe there were these other elements involved in his approach to me. I believe that, though he may be wrong in his choice, there is something very honest and pure in his motive, that in his heart he still believes his course of action was necessary and justifiable. And, while he knows how I feel about it, he also has this confidence in our relationship, that whatever the circumstance of the moment, we have something that will greatly influence my perception; that I will see his heart and be moved by the love in mine to make a decision that will be right for both of us. His rightness and mine together would bring the judgment resulting in the best outcome. Also, when I did approach the subject of his error, he was then receptive to what I had to say and sensitive to my heart, although I could tell it was something about which he still felt very strongly.
I believe there is a way to the corrected action and resolved behavior, that righteous judgment will result in the necessary actions to rectify any conflict. What I love about the reference to judgment in this Psalm, though, is that there is a relationship with the God of judgment that completely adjusts the position of both the Judge and the child approaching Him with a request for judgment. Though perfection may still be some distance from the child, there is an understanding, established in relationship, that the Father is going to understand the heart and provide the best course of action to bring rightness and conciliation to an otherwise condemning situation. Love is going bond rather than separate. Rather than avoid Him and hope for an overlooked error, a direct approach can be made to the Father of love with great confidence that He will be faithful and just to forgive and judge righteousness based upon who we are in Christ. Instead of a concealed and unresolved fault, there can be a bold approach to a throne of grace where help can be found and righteousness implemented. Judgment can actually be an anticipated action when approached with confidence in a relationship that is sure to bring justice and righteousness where separation and punishment might otherwise be expected.
There is an opportunity for a direct and confident approach to a Father who knows our frame, understands our heart and sees our completed potential in Christ. It will be right there in His presence where His judgment will bring righteous resolution to all that concerns us. May our approach be bold and continual.
Heb 4:14-16 KJV
(14) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
(15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
(16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.