Here Come da Judge

If you are as old as I am (or older), you probably remember the phrase "Here come da Judge" from the show Laugh-In, where a judge sat atop a bench and handed down ridiculous sentences to comical transgressions. The sketch actually originated from a comedian called Pigmeat Markham in the 50's and 60's but was borrowed by entertainers like Flip Wilson and Sammy Davis, Jr. as well as others. Although we laughed at the absurd nature of the judgments being handed down, some came dangerously close to being just as ludicrous as the evaluations we make of others based on generalizations. I suspect that may be why we found them so amusing because to take them seriously would have required a shift in our way of thinking.

"And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple." Acts 9:26


Boy, if anyone had a reason to judge someone, the apostles certainly had cause to doubt Paul's sincerity. After all, their friends and family members were being killed by the group that Saul/Paul had only days ago been the ringleader. What do you suppose convinced them he was a changed man? The Bible says he had a personal reference in Barnabus and that they saw Paul speaking boldly for Christ and against the Hellenists. Only his actions could convince the disciples that this once murderous gang member had completely turned his life around.

And am I any different? Don't I have to have proof that someone has changed before I will cease to judge them? I'm not talking about letting an individual take advantage of me over and over. I'm saying that if someone comes to me, admits their past mistakes and asks to be accepted, is it my job to judge their sincerity? And does this mean that from now until they die, that person has to be 100% perfect, never again making any mistakes? Can I live up to that expectation? I think not.

Yes, there will be a "Here come da Judge" day but I doubt he'll be looking like Sammy Davis, Jr. or Flip Wilson. He will however be wearing a robe, riding a white horse, and holding the Lamb's Book of Life (See Revelation 19-21). And if my name is in that Book, it won't be because I have judged everyone correctly.