Justice Delayed

HMRC, the government department which deals with tax and customs issues, has published a list of those who owe them large sums of money. Most are identified as criminals who have failed to pay for their activities. 

In the old days, they might have been identified as pirates or smugglers. But HMRC knows who they are and in many cases they also know where they are. But they have to play a waiting game, while they are currently living outside the reach of British law. 

In their cases, the claims of justice have been delayed.

Jesus spoke of the delayed justice that all of us will face one day. In particular, Jesus warns us about the words we use so thoughtlessly and, we imagine, cheaply. 

"And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgement day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” (Matthew 12.36-37)

In previous generations, people took these words of Jesus so seriously that they set up monasteries where the vow of silence was taken, in order to limit the words spoken.

In our noisy and chattering culture, where words pour forth in every medium available, much is said or written, that is worthless and hurtful. But Jesus reminds us that all of us will one day face the judgement seat of God, where shall have to give account of our lives. 

We would do well to reflect on what we say and how we say it. If it isn't true, kind or necessary, we had better not speak.

Have a quiet day!

Best wishes,

Richard