Across the country young people have been getting exam results.  These results can be important in determining the next stage in education or career choices. Many of the diligent have been rewarded, but laziness has reaped its just deserts. So there have been reports of great joy but also tears of disappointment and frustration. However, not all the results are a fair reflection of the students’ true ability and some students are appealing against what they consider unfair assessment.

God has appointed Jesus to be our judge.

 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

2 Corinthians 5:10

And, like God, he will be totally just in his judgements (1 Peter 2:23).

So there will be no appeals. But there will be joy and tears. In a parable, Jesus described the judgement of both faithful and faithless servants.

To the faithful:

Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master

Matthew 25:23

To the faithless:

…cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 25:30

God does not want us to ‘fail’. He wants us in His kingdom.

Jesus said to his disciples:

Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:32

And a while later Peter wrote:

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance

2 Peter 3:9

But we do need to repent. Our response now determines not just the next stage in our lives, but our eternal destiny. We need to examine ourselves and prepare for the return of Jesus as our judge and, if we so desire, our king and our Saviour.