Appear Before

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.  2nd Corinthians 5:10  NIV

 

A sports injury had left him with a small disability in his right arm.  The insurance company wanted to settle out the claim so that they would not have to pay anything more for that injury.  But as the judge summoned him to rise in court, he frowned down upon the young man sternly.  “How dare you appear in my court in street clothes!”  He reprimanded.  The young man had been caught by surprise with this court appearance in Tennessee where he was visiting for work.  His dress clothes were hanging in his closet nearly two thousand miles West in California.  The judge quickly apologized when he realized the nature of the case, but his harsh criticism still stung deeply.  Do we ever stop to consider how we will feel when we must appear before the high court in Glory?

We may not like to think about accountability.  It is not fashionable these days.  We prefer to claim forgiveness.  But do we think we that when our time comes, and we must stand before the piercing gaze of our all-seeing-Righteous-Judge, that we may feel a little under-clothed?  Will we seek the reassurance today that Jesus will be there with us and we will be wrapped in His righteous dress?

 

Dear Lord,

We know the day is coming.  We know we must stand to give account.  Please draw us so close now that we will have Your righteousness to wear and Your hand to hold, we pray!

Amen