The Time of the Visitation

The Time of the Visitation
By Stacy Long

The Paradox of Judgment: Embracing God's Light and Love

Have you ever wondered about the nature of divine judgment? It's a concept that has perplexed believers and skeptics alike for centuries. But what if our understanding of judgment has been skewed? What if, instead of a stern deity pointing an accusing finger, judgment is more like a revealing light that exposes both our flaws and our potential for redemption?

Let's embark on a journey through scripture and modern-day experiences to unravel this mystery.

The Triumphal Entry and the Weeping King

Picture the scene: Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, crowds cheering and waving palm branches. It's a moment of triumph, yet Jesus weeps over the city. Why? Because He sees what they cannot – the coming judgment that will befall them for failing to recognize "the time of their visitation."

This word "visitation" is fascinating. In Greek, it's where we get the term "bishop" or "overseer." Imagine a construction manager inspecting a building site, ensuring everything aligns with the blueprint. Jesus was essentially saying, "You didn't realize this was an inspection, and you failed."

The Paradox of Judgment

As we delve deeper into scripture, we encounter an apparent contradiction. On one hand, we have verses declaring Jesus as the appointed judge of the living and the dead. On the other, we hear Jesus Himself saying, "I judge no one" and "I did not come to judge the world, but to save it."

How do we reconcile these seemingly opposing statements? The key lies in understanding the nature of judgment itself.

The Black Light Analogy

Think of Jesus as a spiritual black light. In a seemingly clean room, a black light reveals hidden stains and impurities. The light doesn't create the impurities; it simply exposes what's already there. Similarly, Jesus doesn't actively condemn; His very presence reveals the state of our hearts.

This is why Jesus says, "This is the judgment: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." The judgment isn't an action He performs, but a natural consequence of His presence.

The Ongoing Nature of Judgment

When does judgment occur? Scripture gives us multiple answers:
- It happened when Adam fell
- It's happening now
- It will happen in the future
- It occurred during Jesus' first coming

The truth is, judgment is ongoing. Whenever we encounter God's truth – whether through His Word, His presence, or His people – we face a moment of crisis (the Greek word for judgment). We must choose: Will we embrace the light, acknowledging our flaws and seeking transformation? Or will we shrink back, preferring the familiar darkness?

Near-Death Experiences and the Man of Light

Intriguingly, accounts from people who've had near-death experiences across various cultures and religions often describe encounters with a "man of light." This being radiates intense, unconditional love, yet in His presence, individuals become acutely aware of their shortcomings.

These accounts describe not an angry God casting judgment, but a loving presence that simply reveals truth. The "judgment" comes from within as people recognize their own failures in light of perfect love.

The Choice is Ours

Here's the beautiful truth: We get to choose whether we're judged. Scripture tells us, "Judge not, and you will not be judged. Condemn not, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

When we align ourselves with God's perspective – acknowledging our faults, extending forgiveness, and embracing His mercy – we step out of condemnation and into freedom.

The Narrow Gate

One powerful story illustrates this choice. A Hindu man had a near-death experience where he saw a heavenly city with locked gates. As he began falling towards darkness, he cried out for help. The "man of light" rescued him, saying, "I am the gate for the sheep."

Years later, the man heard Jesus' words from Matthew 7:13 – "Enter through the narrow gate" – and realized the identity of his rescuer. This experience transformed his life, leading him to become a minister of the gospel.

Embracing the Light

So, what does this mean for us? It's an invitation to vulnerability and honesty before God. When we encounter His truth, whether through scripture, prayer, or life circumstances, we have a choice:

1. We can resist, making excuses or comparing ourselves favorably to others.
2. Or we can say, "Yes, Lord. I see it now. Have mercy on me. Transform me."

The amazing truth is that God doesn't condemn us. He already knows our condition. His desire is to rescue, heal, and restore. But we must choose to step into the light.

A Call to Reflection

As we conclude, let's take a moment for honest self-examination:
- Are there areas of your life you've been hiding from God's light?
- Have you been judging others, forgetting that the measure you use will be measured against you?
- Is there unforgiveness in your heart that you need to release?

Remember, God's light doesn't expose to condemn, but to heal. His judgment isn't punitive, but restorative. Today, you have the opportunity to lay everything bare before Him, trusting in His endless love and mercy.

In a world quick to point fingers and cast blame, let's embrace a different way. Let's be people who run towards the light, who forgive freely, and who extend the same grace we've received. For in doing so, we not only find freedom for ourselves but become beacons of hope for others still stumbling in the dark.

May we all have the courage to say, "Search me, O God, and know my heart." For in that vulnerability, we discover the transformative power of divine love – a love that sees us fully and loves us completely.

(This blog was created from Stacy Long's original sermon by pulpit.ai)