We Will All Stand Before the Judgment Seat

This meditation is based on a passage for May 26, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Romans 14:1-12

Reflection and Question: When Paul wrote to the Romans, the division that plagued the followers of Jesus was between Jew and Gentile. The flash points of the conflict arose from different religious practices like keeping the Sabbath or refraining from meat that had been sacrificed to idols. To them and to us, who know how our own heated disagreements can divide us, Paul’s counsel is to remember that we all live and die to Christ who died for us all and that we are all only accountable to God. Paul challenges us, as he did the Romans: “Why do you pass judgment on your brother or your sister?”

Prayer: Eternal God, all creation seeks to glorify and praise You. All that we do, as believers in Christ, is meant to please You even what Paul calls our “quarreling over opinions.” Free us from judgment so that every knee may bow to You in praise. Amen.