Day 13 - Divine Forensics
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Focal Verses: For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. It is the Lord who judges me. ~ 1 Corinthians 4:4 (CSB)
The term ‘Forensics’ has become ill-defined over the years. When we hear the word, most of us immediately make the assumption that it is talking about the science of catching killers and such. But that’s not what the word ‘forensics’ actually means. At its base, the word merely refers to something that used in legal jurisprudence. It comes from the Latin word forensis, which simply means ‘public forum or venue for public discussion and debate.’ According to the American Academy of Forensic Science, a more relevant and modern definition is “relating to, used in, or suitable to a court of law.” Sure, this might involve science, but it could also involve accounting, computer technology, audiology, anthropology, linguistics, fine art, etc.
Ultimately, within the scope of it’s broad definition, forensics is simply a careful argument (with evidence) to prove one side or another. In court, the prosecution will present the evidence that supports their forensic arguments. The defense will present their own forensic evidence. Whichever side has the best argument with supporting evidence to back it up, typically wins. Or at least, that’s the way it’s supposed to work.
Whether you’re aware of this or not, forensics is applied throughout the Bible. From the moment Adam and Eve consumed the Forbidden Fruit to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the entire canon of Scripture was one huge forensic evidence log that shows a simple truth: God’s forensic evidence far outweighs Man’s.
In Samuel 16:7, God reminds the prophet of this very thing when He tells Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him [talking about David’s brother]; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Paul shares a similar revelation in today’s passage, assuring the Corinthians that he’s not responsible to them. He’s not responsible to the Romans or the courts. He’s not even responsible to himself. The only one worthy to judge him and his service for Christ is God. In verses 4-5 of today’s passage, he tells the Corinthians (and I paraphrase here): “Look, as far as I know, I’ve been faithful to my task, but it’s not for me to judge. It is God Himself who will judge me and my actions at the end of all things.”
I don’t know about you, but this gives me so much hope. Ever since I switched creative gears and transitioned from writing fiction as much to focusing on Christian nonfiction, I’ve struggled with what my fans and readers must be feeling toward me. I’ve felt like I’ve probably disappointed them. Like I’m letting them down (many of whom have supported me for far longer than a decade). These thoughts often lead to debilitating doubt as to what I’m doing. Then a passage such as this comes along and all that doubt is wiped away. Although I love my fans (many of whom have become true friends to me over the years), I must love God more. And while they might or might not be particularly happy over my shift in focus, I’m thankful that it is not their judgment I need worry about. It’s not even my own! You see, as we learned during the time of Samuel when he was about to choose David to be anointed king of Israel, God’s forensics are far different than our own. While we look at things in the Here and Now within the status quo of everything around us, God sits outside of Time itself. He sees the forensic evidence from a much loftier vantage point, able to see cause and effect in motion before and after events transpire. More than that, God never looks at the outcome of our actions. His evidence is always heart focused. It’s always focused on where our hearts are in relationship to Him.
Because of that, we can rest assured that when it comes to the decisions we make and the actions we take, the only judgment that matters is God’s.
Father God, thank you for your Divine Forensics. Thank you for seeing our hearts, not on our human successes and failures. LORD, I pray that you help each and every one of us to remember that you do not expect perfection in our service to you. The only thing you expect is our love and devoted obedience. Anything beyond that is icing on the cake.
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