Non judgement

Jesus says "Judge not, lest ye be judged" (Matt 7:1) Nobody should be tried and condemned on the basis of accusations made without evidence being heard, neither ourselves or others. Nicodemus, who came privately by night to question Jesus about the kingdom of God, some time later found himself listening to religious leaders condemning the popular authority Jesus had gained as a spiritual teacher. Nicodemus found out for himself about Jesus and his teaching. His associates relied on hearsay and opinion based on hearsay, driven by their suspicions and fear. He criticised their attitude saying 

'According to our Law we cannot condemn people before hearing them and finding out what they have done.' (John 7:51)

Justice required by God's law insists that everyone involved in any dispute is given a proper hearing, but so often the anxious human reaction is to short circuit the process and leap to conclusions, in mistaken defence of self-interest. Jesus, aware of human weakness says to his disciples 

'Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.' (Matt 7:1)

Whenever we pray, the way we think about others and think about ourselves needs to reflect this thought. Freeing ourselves from the compelling tendency to judge and condemn others makes demands on us. The same standards apply to ourselves. But how are we to think in prayer about those who criticise, opposed and threaten us? It can be a difficult struggle if we believe our existence is under threat. This is reflected in Psalms of complaint, containing expressions of vindictiveness against enemies. The wistful lament of the Babylonian exiles concludes vengefully

'Babylon, you will be destroyed. Happy are those who pay you back for what you have done to us— who take your babies and smash them against a rock.' (Psalm 137:8-9)

In liturgical recitation, the final two verses can often be omitted, or else their impact is 'spiritualised', pretending they refer to the thoughts and deeds of the one reciting the Psalm, although the rest of it is clearly an expression of collective grief. But anyone familiarity with the dynamics of grieving will recognise how anger and resentment can contaminate sorrow.

In trying to be honest about ourselves with God, mixed feelings cannot be suppressed, nor can they be ignored, nor do they merit condemnation of self or others. When opening the depths of self to our creator, acknowledging him as our just judge, and ourselves as ever in need of his mercy, we can start to work on letting go of the condemnatory impulse, and align ourselves to God's compassionate vision of his fallen broken world.

'Make me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me.' (Psalm 51:10)

Divine consistency

God continues to promise rescue and blessings to all who feel as if they do not deserve this attention. 'I will never forget you' says God in Isaiah 49:15. 

Yet, in the face of misfortune and adversity, it is common to believe falsely that God is no longer aware of us, and needs reminding. This is voiced in some Psalms.

'How long O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

(Psalm 13:1)

'O God, you have rejected us. You have broken us; you have been angry; now restore us.' (Ps 60:1)

'My God my God, why have you forsaken me?' (Ps 22:1)

'O God, why have you rejected us forever? Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?' (Ps 74:1)

God never ceases to forgive sin and heal its effects. His kindness and compassion don't just stop with disregarding the penitent's past. There is always promise for the future as well. 

'When the time comes to save you, I will show you favour and answer your cries for help.

I will guard and protect you and through you make a covenant with all peoples. (Is 49:8)

There's a hint here of the universal relevance of the story of God's chosen people to all humankind, a theme which comes to the forefront in the Gospels and Acts, proclaiming him who is 'light to lighten the Gentiles' (Luke 2:32)

The theme of restoration of the promised land after the ravages of war and famine repeats itself in the prophetic record, throughout the history of Israel.

I will let you settle once again in your land that is now laid waste. I will say to the prisoners, ‘Go free!’ and to those who are in darkness, ‘Come out to the light!’ They will be like sheep that graze on the hills; they will never be hungry or thirsty. Sun and desert heat will not hurt them, for they will be led by one who loves them. He will lead them to springs of water.' (Isaiah 49:9-11)

Remembering the consistency of God in contrast to human variability is cause for praise and thanksgiving. The sentence that appears as part of post-communion prayers in Anglican forms of the Eucharist is well worthy of repetition, not only after the church's greatest act of remembrance, but in everyday prayer as well.

'O give thanks to the Lord for he is gracious; for his mercy endures forever.' (Psalm 118:1)