“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” Genesis 18:25 (ESV)

 

The verse that I have chosen is, admittedly, not one that immediately jumps to the forefront of most people’s minds when they think about hope. And yet, this verse reminds us that above all that happens in this world – from major atrocities, terrorism and crime, to lies, lust and much more besides – there is a Judge who will ensure that justice is done. ‘Long runs the fox’, goes the phrase, but even the fox passes away.

 

Not a single injustice will go unpunished. For all who turn to follow Him through repentance and faith alone, Jesus paid the price for our sins at Calvary. Our sin was credited to Him and His righteousness was credited to us. Justice was served and God demonstrated His acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice by raising Him from the dead:

 

“he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:31

 

Jesus paid it all. When I face the Judge, I will do so not trusting in anything I have done to try and make myself right with God, but trusting in what Jesus did for me. This is my hope in life, at Christmas time and every day.

 

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God…” 1 Peter 3:18

 

By Alan Dourish