God is My Judge

In Hebrew, the name “Daniel” means “God is my judge.” Some of us are terrified of God being the judge of our personal lives and souls. Some people are intimidated by a judge in a human court of law. Some of us cheer when a judge sentences a criminal in a way that we feel is just. Some politicians and celebrities scorn being judged by the public yet delight in judging and misjudging their competitors. Sadly, many of us were raised being judged and misjudged by our family, friends, and teachers. If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that we also judge and misjudge others. As for me, I am relieved and grateful that God is my judge.

If you look up the definition of the word “judge” you will find something like– a judge is a public official who is qualified and given authority to weigh the evidence in a court of law and make decisions regarding justice. Let’s dive into this definition and see how it applies to God. Clearly, God is qualified to judge. He established the laws of the universe and rules over it with a watchful eye. He accurately weighs the evidence. He’s omniscient and knows the truth in what motivates us and how our circumstances influence our actions. God’s display of justice goes way beyond punishing wrongdoers and eliminating injustice. God seeks to restore justice in every aspect of our lives. In a world that has lost its way and continues to spiral deeper in sin, God reaches out to draw us into his care with healing love. God’s ultimate goal is a new heaven and a new earth, where all things are made new and He will govern in justice, mercy and love.

The Bible does not tell us why Daniel’s parents chose to name him “Daniel.” Still, Daniel lived to be an old, wise man who followed God all his days. Daniel chose to please Him, rather than the culture he had been placed in. Daniel’s life was beyond reproach. When the King’s circle of advisors became jealous of Daniel and deceived the King into ordering him into a den of lions as punishment for not worshiping King Darius, Daniel bowed down to the God of creation. Daniel was willing to die as he had lived, faithful to the true God. He was not concerned with the horrors of being fed to lions. He continued to commune with the Father, devoted in prayer, a humble lifestyle, and telling others the truth about the Lord. Daniel actively, and continuously sought God’s judgment of his heart over man’s judgment of his words and actions. 

On that now-famous day some 600 years before Christ, God found Daniel to be worthy of life. An angel was sent to keep the mouths of the lions closed. When learning that Daniel had survived captivity with the lions, the King of Babylon issued a decree stating that Daniel’s God’s dominion would never end and that He rescues, saves, and performs wonders.  

Father, may we turn away from our fears of earthly judgment. Just like Daniel, may we seek your just approval, rather than that of a fallen world. We praise you for all the times in our lives that you have rescued us from our “den of lions.” May those experiences strengthen our faith in you. May our testimonies of what you have done for us lead others to acknowledge and glorify you.