"Who shall give account to him
that is ready to judge
the quick and the dead."
I Peter 4:5 KJV

Last week we read the stories of three Bible characters that God personally corrected through His prophetic Word. This week we will look at some examples of what happened to a few foolish souls who hardened their hearts against God, and how through His direct prophetic Word, through His acts, and through His prophetic servants, He brought the judgment of death.

The word adjudicate means to settle judicially or to render a judicial decision. Because of sin, whose wages are death (Romans 6:23); every human being awaits the judgment of God. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27 KJV) In the normal course of events, most human lives last several decades, and then terminate in old age. Some die young because of accident or illness. Every life concludes at God's appointed time (Heb. 9:27) - even those rare few who are struck down by God because of His wrath.

Moses, God's most honored prophet, was prohibited from entering into the promised land (Deuteronomy 32:48-51 KJV) because of an act of disobedience (Numbers 20:7-12). He died in the wilderness, on Mt. Nebo, alone with God (Deuteronomy 32:50; 34:5-7).

Below are several examples of the judgment of death - Adjudicating Power. The first example reveals an incident that occured when God spoke clearly, directly and profoundly.

God's Word Brings Death
Belshazzar. "Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written. And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN." (Daniel 5:24-25 KJV) Last week we looked at Belshazzar's father, Nebuchadnezzar, a king who, once dealt with by God, repented and honored God as his king. But his son, Belshazzar, did not follow his father's path. He did not repent of his sins. The prophet Daniel interpreted the strange, bold words. ".. MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians." (Daniel 5:26-28 KJV) Belshazzar was slain that very night. (Daniel 5:30)

Another example of death occuring from a direct Word from God occured when Jesus spoke to the fig tree, cursing it for its lack of fruit. The tree withered and died. "And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away." (Matthew 21:19 KJV) Jesus cursed the fig tree for its fruitlessness. The disciples marveled at the fig tree's premature demise.

Other Examples of Death as God's Instant Judgment
We can also find other examples in scripture where death is a direct result of an act of God, or a prophetic Word through one of His prophets as opposed to a direct Word from God himself.

Korah and his followers. Following the exodus from Egypt and what seemed like aimless wanderings in the Desert, Korah, Dathan and Abiram conspired against Moses. In their hearts, they held jealousy regarding of Moses' authority and claimed that he had promoted himself to become the leader of Israel. Unwisely, they challenged him. Moses instructed Korah and his followers to bring censers of fire and incense to present to the Lord. Aaron, God's priest, did the same. To which offeror would God draw near? Korah and his people gathered as Moses instructed. Then the Lord spoke. Moses commanded the crowd of onlookers to move away. As they did, God spoke by opening the earth! Korah and his followers fell into the deep chasm, swallowed in God's judgment.

Ananias and Sapphira. Ananias and Sapphira sold some of their property and then conspired to deceive Church leaders by claiming that they had given all the proceeds to the Church when they really had not. Confronted by Peter, Ananias fell over and died as soon as the Holy Spirit revealed his sin. Later that day, his wife Sapphira told the same foolish lie to Peter. She too fell to the floor and died instantly. (Acts 5:1-11) Does their story put the fear of God into your heart?

What can we learn from these examples? Could it be that God, full of mercy, grace, and compassion, can at times also be moved to wrath? God's prophetic power fulfills many aspects of His multi-faceted purposes. Not only does His prophetic Word create, sustain, restore, direct, and correct, His prophetic Word can also bring judgment when necessary.

Can you think of other scriptural examples where God himself brought a soul to final judgment? Can you think of scriptural examples where someone's words brought judgment or even a curse upon another? How about words of life or blessing? If so, email your example(s) to me (include a scripture and a 25-50 word write up) and I will post your contribution on our web pages.

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Does God know the future? Next week will conclude PART I of our series with a look at God's Foretelling Power

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GroundWorks is an imprint of Reconciliation Press. The name has been chosen to reflect the biblical idea of roots and foundations in Christian life and culture. As you read these weekly articles, look for words and imagery in the text that illustrate these themes.

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