Aren’t you thankful our God is a Perfect Judge? Judge Mark Ciavarella has made me even more thankful than before…

Former Luzerne County Judge Ciavarella has been convicted of using children to get rich. The Judge wrongfully sentenced juveniles in order to receive an estimated $1 million in kickbacks from the private detention centers where the children were placed. Authorities are now reviewing all of the cases Judge Ciavarella presided over, as they lack confidence that any of the decisions he handed down were fair and just.

Most of us talk about God’s Justice only in the context of our sin. It’s true that God’s Justice can’t ignore our sin and that a penalty must be paid. Jesus’ horrific death on the cross is the ultimate display of God’s justice being satisfied. Apart from Christ, there’s good reason to fear God’s Justice. However, there’s also much comfort and hope in knowing that God is the Perfect Judge.

God is the Perfect Judge because He Loves us Perfectly. He desires the best for us and He’s never motivated by selfishness.

Judge Ciavarella appears to be motivated by a narcissistic love that’s willing to hurt children in order to further his selfish desires.

God is the Perfect Judge because He’s Totally Truthful.

Judge Ciavarella sacrificed truth for his own personal gain.

God is the Perfect Judge because He’s Holy, perfect and clean in every way. He never judges out of malicious intent.

Judge Ciavarella is, as we all are, imperfect. But he allowed his dark imperfections to control his life and many children have paid the price.

God is the Perfect Judge because He’s completely Faithful. He promises that He will judge every wrong and defend every innocent. He’s our greatest advocate and judge!

Judge Ciavarella made a mockery of his judicial promise every time he sent an undeserving child to a detention facility.

Judges like Ciavarella make it easy to become cynical about true justice, and that cynicism can seep into our view of God’s Justice. Let’s never confuse our imperfect human judges with our Perfect and Holy Judge!

We’re raising the next generation of judges right now. They’re in our schools, our churches and sitting around our tables. It’s so important for us to talk with our kids about the difference between an unjust judge like Ciavarella and the Justice of our Perfect, Loving, Faithful and Sovereign God! The best way to raise up a new generation of just judges is to teach our children who God really is and why it matters. It’s upon His foundation they will build a moral compass that always points to true justice.

He is the rock; His deeds are perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is! -Deuteronomy 32:4 (NLT).