2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Introductory Thoughts

Imagine one day standing before “the righteous judge” of the universe who knows every action, thought, and motive. One day, this will become the reality for all those who have ever lived. Because the Father committed all judgment to Him (John 5:22), the Son of God is that judge. He will judge the world with righteousness and the people with equity (Psalm 98:9). His Father gave Him full authority to mete out this judgment. As the Judge, He incorporates an equal standard in every ruling. The scripture testifies of this judgment when it says the Lord has a crown for Paul. Fortunately, this crown is not limited to Paul only, “but unto all them also that love His [Christ’s] appearing.” It is important to note that the word of God stands as the standard by which all truth is judged. The Lord Jesus Christ remains the righteous judge by which all is judged. Unfortunately, far too many judges pervert judgment by incorporating a changing standard into their decisions.

Devotional Thoughts

· (For children): A judge decides if a person has done right or wrong. At times, he lets a bad person go unpunished because he likes him and a good person gets punished because the judge does not like him. Yet, God plays no favourites. He will always be right and fair in deciding if a person has done right or wrong. His rule book is the Bible. 
· (For everyone): Have you ever been judged unfairly? Were you judged guilty although you were innocent? Christ will never judge inaccurately or with any hidden agenda.
· Have you ever felt wronged due to an unjust judgment? How did it affect you? What does it mean to you that the Lord judges with equity?

Prayer Thoughts

· Take time to thank God for being equitable in judgment.
· Ask the Lord to make you more equitable in your judgment of others.
 
SONG: O Worship the King