The Supreme Court
Over the past year, there have been three openings on the United States Supreme Court. This judicial entity is a hallmark of our society. Three years ago, my family and I saw this building in person on our trip to Washington, D.C. Wow! This towering building is indeed physically tall, but its size is eclipsed by its monumental decisions.
Presidents have great responsibilities. They must oversee all judicial, legislative, and executive functions. However, one of the most unique constitutional provisions is given to presidents - to appoint Supreme Court Justices. These jurists have the difficult job of interpreting the constitution to address the rule of law. I do not envy them at all. I think I’ll stick to preaching.
Amongst the back-and-forth political banter which presently pervades in our society is a renewed interest in the rule of law. Should the interpretation of the law be driven by our contemporary feelings? Present-day circumstances? How about the sway of popular ideology?
God has a different kind of “supreme court.” It is called the Throne Room of God. God rules and reigns with Majesty and Power. He IS the final say. The rule of law did not just begin with the United States. No, it has been around since the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve, in Genesis 2, were found “guilty” of their sin. God was reigning on the court - His court. He was and is Judge and Juror.
The Bible begins with the “Book of the Law” - the first 5 books of Moses. The New Testament refers to the Old Testament, as the “Law and the Prophets.” Law is at the heart of society because it is at the heart of God.
The aspect of a supreme court finds itself again in Exodus 18 with Moses’ father-in-law giving Moses advice. Exodus 18:20 reads, “And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.” Verse 21 continues with contingencies - judges must “fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness.” Moses advises in Deuteronomy19:19 not to “distort justice.” In Moses’ eyes, judges must have 3 distinct requirements: 1) They fear God. 2) They are people of truth. 3) They hate dishonest gain. God’s court system did not stop with Moses but continued in 1 and 2 Samuel as Samuel was named “Judge” over the entire nation of Israel. This extends to the book of Malachi. Malachi 4:4 reminds the reader to “Remember the Law of Moses, My servant…with the statutes and judgments.”
Solomon wrote in Proverbs 3:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Our wisdom, our “jurisprodence,” begins and ends with our great God. He reigns and resides as King over any law of man.
Justice is at the heart of God. Jesus responded in John 7:24, “Do not judge according to appearance, but just with righteous judgment.” The insinuation, I believe, is to judge with God’s judgment. As we continue to grow in our relationship with Him, His justice will become clearer to us. However, the only way to judge through Christ’s eyes is to invite Him to be the Ruler of our lives.
John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, rightly said, “Providence has given to our people the choice of their ruler, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians as our rulers.” (Source: The Federalist Papers.)
God is the ultimate Judge. Paul confirms, “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). God is, indeed, the only true and righteous Judge. Never forget, God is not just any judge - He is the “righteous” judge. He is the only One who can truly administer justice to a world desperately attempting to make its own.
Picture Jesus reigning on His throne. He sits alone - unrivaled. Daniel 7:9-10 describes his vision of the coming Savior in the courtroom of God. He writes, “I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire; A fiery stream issued and came forth from behind Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened.” All rise! God the Father presiding!