March 9

INWORKINGS OF JUDGMENT
by Ray Prinzing

"When He (the Spirit of Truth) is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: - Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged."                                                                                                (John 16:8,11).

The "spirit" behind the mystery of iniquity has been dealt with.  It was judged at Calvary, sentence was passed upon it, and its end was decreed.  Now the blessed holy Spirit is working individually and sovereignly in His little flock.  One by one He draws us to Christ.  The world-at-large is not yet drawn into this deeper process, to be purged and purified.  But soon, praise God, there is to unfold a new ministration in the purpose of God, which will reach out in new ways to establish righteousness in the earth.

History has recorded in the past where God dealt with individuals, but it also records times when God dealt with a whole nation.  We have known the grace of God reaching into the individual life to turn one's steps about, with a deep process of purification which would unite man with his God.  Taking them "one of a city, and two of a family,"  (Jeremiah 3:14), that He might bring them to Zion, into His fullness.  But, we rejoice, also, for the knowledge that He will draw whole families, communities, yes, even whole nations, that He might prepare the way for His kingdom to be established in the earth.

But "the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God..." (1 Peter 4:17).  For although there is, and will be a universal working of the Spirit, right now it is directed at those whom God has apprehended to become HIS FIRSTFRUITS.  He would remove from us all traces of our allegiance to the "spirit of the world," that we might be fully motivated and controlled by the holy Spirit.  Let it always be remembered, the purpose of judgment is not one of punishment and displays of wrath alone, it is CORRECTION UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS. The motivation is His love, and the end result is for our good.  Viewed positively, "I have hoped in Thy judgments,"  (Psalm 119:43), for "when Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness."  (Isaiah 26:9).  Praise His holy name!