Do you ever wonder why the person who cuts corners gets the promotion? Why one with no scruples lands the deal? Why do the promiscuous ones get the engagement ring? Why do the wicked ones prosper? The psalmist wondered the same thing. The writer of Psalm 94 made his appeal to the “judge of the earth.” He cried out:

Psalm 94:1-3
O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult?

Human judges decide a verdict based on a collection of societal rules and laws. Sometimes, these regulations vary from community to community. But God, the Judge (Shophet) of the earth, establishes judgment on his immutable character and nature. He is pure and perfect. Therefore, his laws and his process of reaching a verdict are pure and perfect as well.

The Judge of the earth evaluates more than our actions. He is the only One who knows our thoughts and the intentions of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12). He sees the ugliness of our sin. We stand guilty. But the Judge of the earth has graciously provided for our acquittal. He sent his Son to the cross to pay the penalty of our sins. When we trust in Jesus, the Judge of the earth pronounces us, “Not guilty!”

Father,
You are perfect, pure, and right in all your judgments. Thank you for sending Jesus to pay the penalty for my sin and guilt. Thank you for pronouncing me, “Not guilty!” Thank you for allowing me to live in freedom.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.