Trusting Judges

 The decisions of the courts and the selection of justices dominates the American political landscape in ways unforeseen by the founding fathers. Regardless, people on either side of the aisle sometimes wait breathlessly for the latest decision which will determine the direction of the country for the foreseeable future. While this irony—the most political influence and power coming from what was intended to be the least political branch—seems lost on the masses, there is a greater lesson that God’s people should regularly revisit. The reality of the predatory creeping of immorality through the courts is a reflection of both the malicious aims of some and the incredible apathy of others. Nevertheless, Christians should stop these displays of incredulity when the latest nonsense issues forth from on high. Instead, we should recognize the real nature of the problem, rooted in the individual wickedness of men high in power and low in morals. That they have the audacity to claim moral superiority in the midst of an immoral screed only speaks to the inspired wisdom of David when he wrote, “Do you indeed speak righteousness, you silent ones? Do you judge uprightly, you sons of men? No, in heart you work wickedness; You weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth” (Psa. 58:1–2). 
While our prayers should continue, seeking an environment in society that will allow Christians to live and work in peace (1 Tim. 2:1ff), we must never fool ourselves into thinking that we live in a society in harmony with Christian principles or that this is in any way the aim of those in power. In fact, we must accept that the wicked often hold power, working behind the scenes to undermine and destroy while putting on the public face of charm (Psa. 58:3-5). We can hope and pray for their failure and downfall, but it is not always within our control (Psa. 58:6-9). Accepting this while soldiering on for Christ is the type of perseverance that Christians need today. There are indeed people at work whose ends are wicked at every turn, and we can but wait for their influence to wane. In those moments when we see a slight course correction, we may breathe easier and rejoice for a time (Psa. 58:10), but we should never lose slight of the bigger picture, of how far conditions have worsened and how far society has fallen into the pit. 

However, it is proper to rejoice when the power of evil has been rebuffed, if only briefly. Furthermore, our perspective should be greater by far, remembering that whatever judges may say upon the earth, they too have One who judges them for their decisions and lives. “So that men will say, ‘Surely there is a reward for the righteous; Surely He is God who judges in the earth’” (Psa. 58:11). We should not put our trust in judges to do the right thing, but we can always put our trust in the Judge of all mankind, for He always does the right thing. Every political twist may not turn toward righteousness, but God will set it all right in the end.goo