To rejoice in judgment seems a strange idea. Normally judgment carries the idea of revenge or retribution for evil. For those who have done wrong judgment is something to fear. And as we examine our own hearts, even though we may attempt to avoid the thought, we know judgment is coming. Then as we look around our neighborhoods, our cities, our country, our world what is good is overshadowed by what is evil. Even the creation itself suffers under godless disregard for the treasure that it is. Judgment is inevitable. So, again, why rejoice in judgement?
If you or I were to judge, there would be no reason to rejoice. If the judicial system in our country were the ultimate source of judgment, sorrow, loss and revenge would be the expectation. But praise God there is another Judge who gets it right — the Lord of heaven and earth.
He is coming to bring judgment that rights the wrongs, heals, restores and brings righteousness. This judgment is so complete, so faithful, so thorough that all of your fears and misgivings will melt away. The creation that now moans under the heavy hand of man’s exploitation will reverberate in gladness. The sweet music of God’s faithfulness will resound in your heart and in the creation.
God’s judgment not only answers the unspeakable wrongs but is so thorough that joy will soothe and calm all that suffers unjustly. God’s good judgment will do what chaotic elections and political promises cannot. God’s judgment heals hearts and trees and seas. The glory of the King is coming. Let your heart rejoice!
Psalm 96:11-13
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.