Last week my dog had to forfeit his usual daily playtime routine with his friends because the dog walker was unavailable due to being selected as a jury member, destined for at least a week in court.

I’ve never been selected myself to sit in court as a juror nor have I ever been to court so I have no first-hand knowledge of what this experience must be like.

I can imagine it can be quite an intimidating environment, very solemn and serious. Especially depending upon the specific case that has been brought before the court.

Of course the one who has the ultimate authority in court is the judge. That person who presides over the court and is responsible for handing out the sentence, deemed appropriate for a person who has been found guilty of a crime against the United Kingdom’s laws.

The Bible takes us to a courtroom and would inform us about ‘The Lord Jesus Christ’ as the one who has the supreme power and authority to judge.

John 5 verse 22 states that God “has given all judgement to the Son”.

What does this mean?

Well let’s think back to that courtroom. For there to be judgement passed out, someone must first have committed a crime.

In Jeremiah 9 verse 13 we read that “they have forsaken (or broken) My law which I set before them”.

In this verse God is referring to His people the Israelites but we can apply this to all of mankind.

“…for ALL have sinned…” Romans 3 verse 23 states.

Each person born into this world, since the beginning of time, has sinned against God. There is no exception. If you are honest with yourself you would have to admit that this is the case. Whether that is a lie told, an immoral thought, pride that is within or an outburst you have regretted. These are all what the Bible describes as sin.

The Lord Jesus on the other hand, is incomparable. Perfect in every way. Completely sinless.

It is because of this that the Lord Jesus has the authority to judge, and judge He will. There is no escaping our sin. The ultimate punishment is death. Eternal separation from God.

Romans 6 verse 23 states “For the wages of sin is death”.

A sentence handed out for all mankind that paints a very solemn and bleak future.

The Lord Jesus not only has power over death but also power to give eternal life.

What great HOPE. Christians have the greatest of all prospects.

John 3 verse 16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have ETERNAL LIFE.”

Even though we are all sinful beings who have rebelled against God and are deserving of judgement. God still demonstrated His great love towards us by sending His only Son, The Lord Jesus Christ, into this world to die a cruel death at Calvary where He faced God’s wrath for the sins of everyone.

The Lord Jesus’ sacrifice and demonstrating power over death means that we all have a great opportunity to be saved from our sins and look forward to the certainty of eternal life which is to come.

The Lord Jesus has completed the work for which He came into the earth for, but what have we to do?

John 3 verse 36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”

We must BELIEVE. Have you trusted in the Lord Jesus?

Christians, I’ve already said, have the greatest of all prospects. A future with the risen Lord Jesus.

Those who have never believed, face a future of eternal separation from God.

Where does your future lie?