Different Life: 8th CommandmentSample

The Bible likes to use the image of a court room. Sometimes it sets us as the defendants in a criminal case. We are guilty before God. And though we often think our hearts and deeds are hidden (especially if we don’t receive some direct punishment from God), everything is laid bare before him. Other times we’re like plaintiffs in a civil case. We cry out to God demanding justice. The Psalms are filled with examples like these.

Isaiah is an interesting example. The opening scene is a court room. God is so exasperated by the sin of his people, but who does he call to arbitrate? Who does God call as a witness? Heaven and earth. Maybe because heaven and earth “see” all. Or maybe because if anyone is unbiased, it’s heaven and earth.

How might heaven and earth bear witness against you? What would you hope they would bear witness about in your favor? The good news of the Bible is that we have an even better judge than heaven and earth. We have God. He is just. He is merciful. What sins do you need to get honest about before him? Or what honest cries of the heart do you need to bring to him today?