The Just Judge

"When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly."
1 Peter 2:23 (NIV)

Ever doubt whether God will put right the wrongs in your life?

On the cross, Jesus did something completely different from His usual pattern. Throughout His ministry, He forgave sins directly–remember the paralytic man in Luke chapter five? The religious leaders were outraged, saying "Only God can forgive sins." They were right about that part–only God can forgive sins. And since Jesus was God, He had every right to do so.

But on the cross, Jesus didn't forgive His tormentors directly. Instead, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). Why the change? Because at that moment, Jesus wasn't dying as God–God cannot die. He was dying as one of us, showing us exactly how to handle unfair treatment and deep hurt.

When the disciple Peter looked back at the crucifixion as he penned this verse, he remembered how Christ did not retaliate against His accusers. Peter remembered Jesus’ silence–and it spoke volumes. Jesus entrusted Himself to God.

Jesus, who had the power to call down legions of angels, chose instead to entrust Himself to the Father's justice. When people were driving nails through His hands, He was modeling the very thing you and I struggle with most: turning our hurts over to God.

Here's the truth: If you can trust God with your heart, you can trust Him with your hurt. Those wounds that feel like they're tearing you apart? They don't have to become walls that separate you from God. Instead, let them become bridges that bring you closer to Him.

The next time someone betrays you, lies about you, or wounds you deeply, remember this: You don't have to be both the victim and the judge. You can entrust yourself to the only truly Just Judge, and in doing so, find the freedom to extend the same grace that Jesus extended to you.

What hurt are you holding onto right now? You can entrust that situation to God's justice rather than taking matters into your own hands.

Prayer: God, Thank You for Your great mercy. Show me any wounds I am holding on to, or how I am judging those situations myself instead of entrusting them to Your loving care and wisdom. Bridge the gap between my hurt and Your healing, Lord. And help me extend grace rather than seek revenge. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.