“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13, NKJV). If we pay attention to the news, we periodically see examples – from our communities to national leaders – of those who are able to do wrong without penalty. This is frustrating; but sadly, it should not be surprising. This sort of thing has been around for a long time. Solomon wrote, “If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them” (Ecclesiastes 5:8). Often the leaders that should be in a position to right the wrongs that exist in society (Romans 13:3-4) are either shielded or hindered by the bureaucracy that exists in any form of civil government. We should take comfort in the fact that even though human leaders may, at times, be unwilling or incapable of seeing things for what they are and responding properly, God knows. Nothing is hidden from Him. Furthermore, He will perfectly and impartially “judge both the righteous man and the wicked man” (Ecclesiastes 3:17). Paul wrote, “God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus” (Romans 2:16). He told the Corinthians, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). When we hear of those who are able to commit crimes against their fellow man seemingly without penalty, we can take comfort in the fact that God sees and will hold the wicked accountable. At the same time, we need to recognize that the reality of God’s judgment applies to us as well. It is easy to point out the egregious examples of injustice that are reported in the news. However, we also need to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) and make sure we are right before God. In the end, it will not matter what examples of injustice in society we lamented or protested if we are not following the Lord. Jesus is “to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9). Let us be sure we are faithfully obeying the Lord and not allow the concerns of this life to distract us from this. –Andy Sochor
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