Not at the Finish Line Yet
We should not judge others because God sees the final chapter of their life, and we may be a part of their story to victory.
K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in our interactions with others, particularly when judging their spiritual journeys. He reflects on his own experience of condemning materialism instead of focusing on the lost, highlighting how we often forget the grace that led us to our convictions. Yohannan uses biblical examples, including the Apostle Paul's harsh judgment of John Mark, to illustrate that everyone is still in the process of their faith journey. He reminds us that Jesus viewed people through the lens of their potential and the unfinished nature of their stories. Ultimately, we are called to be part of others' rescue teams, offering support and grace as they navigate their paths.
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Many years ago I was invited to speak to a group of medical doctors who were interested in missions. I was excited to share with them about the lost world--until I walked into one of their homes where the meeting took place. To my mind, the house was nothing less than a king's palace. I was so angry and upset that I spent half of my speaking time attacking materialism. Anyone who heard me could clearly understand that I was condemning the brother who owned the house. Would Christ have done this?
I think not. I should have used all my time to cry out for the lost world and ask for prayer. It seems that all of us, as believers, have our own paradigms, views and convictions. Many of them are the result of God's dealings with us in certain areas of our lives or His gracious opening of our understanding to His Word. But somehow we forget the time and effort it took for the Holy Spirit to bring us to that point, and we begin to judge others by the light we have received. When others fail or act outside our convictions, some automatic mechanism seems to go off inside us.
Unless we are careful, we will judge others without mercy. Even the Apostle Paul failed in this area when he was dealing with John Mark. This young man had left Paul's team perhaps because things got rough on their first missionary journey. In his zeal and absolute commitment to Christ, Paul had no room for someone who didn't share his radical lifestyle and willingness to sacrifice all for the sake of the Gospel. Later, when John Mark asked for a second chance, Paul's reaction, I am sure, damaged the hope of this young brother (see Acts 15:36-39).
While Jesus was with the Father, He watched Abraham trying to substitute Ishmael for the promised son, Moses killing the Egyptian, Ruth the Moabitess worshiping idols and David committing adultery and murder. But from eternity past, He could see their entire life--past, present and future--all at the same time. He knew that by the time they reached the end of their lives, each of these people would be counted among the heroes of faith. I believe one of the reasons Jesus didn't judge others during His time on earth was because He remembered that the final stretch of their race was still ahead of them.
They hadn't crossed the finish line yet, and between now and then, much could still change. Jesus knew that Peter's denial and Thomas's doubting of His resurrection were not the last chapters in their apostleship. He could see when both of them would lay down their lives as bold witnesses and martyrs for the Gospel. In the eyes of God, it's the final moment, the way we cross the finish line, that counts. Isaiah 42:3 says this about the Lord: "A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench."
His goal is never to finish us off but to help us succeed. That's our calling as well. The next time we are tempted to judge others, let us remember that the final chapter of their life has yet to be written. How we treat them may be a part of their story to victory. Will you be one on their rescue team?
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Judging Others
- Our own paradigms and convictions can lead to judgment
- The example of the Apostle Paul and John Mark
- The importance of remembering that others may still change
Key Quotes
“In the eyes of God, it's the final moment, the way we cross the finish line, that counts.” — K.P. Yohannan
“His goal is never to finish us off but to help us succeed.” — K.P. Yohannan
“Will you be one on their rescue team?” — K.P. Yohannan
Application Points
- Let us remember that others may still change, and be patient and understanding with them.
- We should strive to be one of their rescue team and show them mercy and compassion.
- God's goal is to help us succeed, not to finish us off, and we should seek to help others succeed as well.