By: Juliet Constantine

And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. (John 12:47-48 NKJV)
 

The Code justified my actions, instead of condemning me. The incident happened more than a decade ago but it still serves as reference point for many things. I was a young driver who had received strict advice from a friend that I should thoroughly know the Jamaican Road Code and drive by it. I took his advice literally and was very proud in holding my own on the streets. One day the police, with flashing lights tried to pull me over in a very deep corner. I cleared the corner before stopping. Upon stopping, one police officer shouted: “Why didn’t you stop when we first indicated?” I replied: “The Code said, 'do not stop on a corner'”. To this he was silent. Needless to say, I was free to proceed on my journey.

As I read today’s text, I remembered the incident. I had previously failed my driving test because I listened to the advice of my then instructor instead of following the Code. But that day, I would not repeat that mistake.

Jesus cautioned His audience that He was not here to judge them. The time of judgment had its place. And even then, it was not Him but His words that would stand in judgment against them. But for now, He was there to love them, to die to save them, and to carry their sins far away. He would rise in justification of them all. No, He was not come to condemn anyone. He came to show us how to triumph over the Code.

Now this is the sum: the best way to succeed with any test is to study for it. It is a given that the test will come and that the subject matter taught will be tested. Now when the teacher ‘stands’ before a class and gives certain instructions, it is wise if the student listens and follows those instructions. One of my lecturers used to say: “Whatever I repeat, it holds water.” She meant it had substance and would definitely be on the test papers. So we made sure to highlight those statements in our notes. I guess Jesus tried to do the same with His audience. He cautioned them that the words He spoke to them would be what would judge them.

Through the Prophet Hosea, God warned that His “people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6) In their unbelief, they had rejected knowledge. Therefore God had no choice but to forget them, even their children. The word of God, His Law, will stand in judgment against us. Not knowing what it says is no excuse to break it. Yet, no one is left ignorant. God always warns before He destroys. So, somehow, by someone somewhere, you have been told to “Fear God and keep His commandments” because this was man’s whole duty. Now that you know, you no longer have any excuse. Obeying God’s words will make you triumphant over the code. Which would you rather: to stand in condemnation of the Law or to be vindicated by the same Law? The transcript of God’s character, the Ten Commandments, was not abolished. This is the Code by which we all will be judged. In the Judgment, will it exonerate you or condemn you? I implore you to choose a life of triumph.

Holy Father, Jesus came and He showed us the way to triumph over the code. Now as He sits in judgment, please help us to obey Your words so that we too can triumph in the face of our accusers. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)