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Jury Duty

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”¹

It is our civic responsibility. As citizens of the United States of America, we have the privilege to provide access to justice for all. Once, every couple of years, we will receive the government sealed letter or postcard asking us to report for Jury Duty. However, this notice is rarely accepted with joy. In fact, many dread this call. Maybe it’s the thought of a trip to the courthouse; maybe it’s the having to wait all day in a room full of strangers; or maybe it’s the idea that a person’s freedom might depend on your decision as a juror.

 Judging someone’s actions should never come easy, but sometimes it is all too easy to accuse others. Too many times we become judge and juror in our own right – no summons needed!  In John chapter 8, we find a group of self-appointed jurors bringing a young woman before Jesus so that He might judge her adulteress actions. In their own right, they had already found her guilty and were ready to carry out the law-commanded punishment of stoning her. Being the wise judge that He is, Jesus simply answered the overly zealous lot, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (Jn. 8:7). One by one, the men walked away, knowing that their argument was no longer valid.

Being asked to judge someone for their actions is a task meant for God alone, but there are rules to abide by while we are citizens of earth. Man-made rules require human judgement, in which we are called to be fair and wise, seeking only justice. We may never be on the judgement receiving side of the courtroom here on earth, but when we depart this life there is a judgement that awaits each of us. Fortunately for us, it will be the same wise Judge who showed grace to that young woman that will judge us as well. Unfortunately for us, we will be judged according to the choices we made in our lifetime – good or bad! (2 Cor. 5:10) The jurors in our case will be of the Heavenly Supreme Court, consisting of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We may be asked to judge others in a court of law here on earth; to be jurors in a trial that might grant someone their freedom or sentence them to time in prison. The judgement that awaits us at the end of our life carries an eternal sentence, and how we choose to live each moment here will be reflected when we are before the God of Justice and Mercy. Let’s choose to live each day for Him!

Suggested Prayer:

Dear Holy Father, I may be called to perform a duty here on earth where I judge the actions of others. But, one day I will stand before your throne and give account for my own actions and choices. I want to be found guilty of living my life, each moment, for you. Let my actions bring glory to you today. In Jesus’ merciful name, Amen.

1. 2 Corinthians 5:10.