The merciful judge - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.

You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon you.
1 Peter 3: 18; Psalm 86: 5.

The merciful judge
More than a century ago, in a small provincial French town, the judge occasionally held court sessions without any delay. One day a man was accused of stealing a large loaf of bread. When the judge asked him why he had done so, he explained in his confusion: "My family was hungry, and I didn't know how they could get anything to eat today."

"The law is the law," decreed the judge. "I sentence you to a fine of five francs."

Of course, the man did not have the money to pay that sum. The judge took out his purse and handed over five francs, so that the repentant man could settle his debt. Consequently the community arranged for the man to find work, so that he could feed his family.

At the heart of the gospel stands the cross of Jesus Christ. Its message is so simple that a child can understand it. The Saviour took my place with my guilt on the cross of Calvary before God and died for me. If I acknowledge my sins and believe that Jesus Christ bore the punishment before God, all my debt has been paid.

The mercy shown by that judge in the account above enables me to understand better the grace of Jesus, the Son of God. He should have condemned me because of my wrongdoings, but He paid for me Himself. He did so for who will come to Him. Even today, He still forgives all who recognise their guilt and believe in Him.

Today‘s reading: 1 Samuel 14: 1 - 10 · Psalms 97: 1 - 12