Rapists, Judges, and Hirelings

I just wanted to share a short thought that I have been meditating on for the last few months.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Revelation 21:8

I know we are accustomed to resigning murders, rapists, and hosts of other evil people to hell. However, the Bible is clear that cowards (“fearful” in the KJV) go to hell. The word in Greek refers to those who are fearful or timid. Over the years, I have realized how many people fall into this category, and how quickly I can fall into this category if not for God’s grace.

Most recently a judge has sparked outrage for not wanting to “ruin” the life of a rapist, so he only gave him six months in jail (he will probably only serve three with good behavior.) I know of churches that have taken the same approach to abusers, child molesters, etc. There is a timidity or fear of actually calling evil what it is and confronting it.

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.John 10:11-13

One of the greatest problems within the church is that many pastors are hirelings. They will not confront wolves. Instead they play the coward and let the wolf destroy the flock. If you cannot bring yourself to confront wolves then do not enter the ministry. If you do not want to administer justice do not serve as a judge. If you will not confront domestic violence and other evils than do not call yourself a Christian. Remember, cowards go to hell.

God has declared what He requires of men:

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?Micah 6:8

Administering justice can be hard, but it is necessary and right. Boldness is not something that we naturally possess. We must seek the power of the Holy Spirit to embolden us to confront evil. Fear is a powerful thing, but we should fear God not man. Evil has been going on unchallenged in our families, churches, communities, and nation. We must follow the example of Jesus Christ and confront it.