Psalm 1:5
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor
sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
Have you ever found yourself standing in the middle of a group of people, convinced you don’t belong there? In some settings it’s called ‘Imposter Syndrome’. I definitely had that in my first year at University, as one of only a handful of women studying Engineering alongside more than 300 men! Not helped by the fact that people would tell me that I was probably only there because there was a quota of women that had to be met, and I didn’t *really* deserve a place on the course. That was also what I regularly told myself. “Maybe I shouldn’t be here”,“I’m sure they’re all cleverer than I am”, ”What if I’m not cut out to be an Engineer at all?”
Perhaps we imagine that this is what will happen on the Last Day, when Jesus returns and the dead are raised to face judgment. Do you sometimes wonder if someone will look pityingly at you and say “I’m very sorry, but there’s been a mistake - you don’t *really* belong here”? The devil loves to tell us that we have no right to stand confidently before God on Judgement Day. He wants us to read the pictures in Revelation of the saints in white robes, worshipping the Lamb on his throne, and conclude that we don’t belong there. After all, we ARE sinners. We don’t belong in the company of the righteous. This verse says so!
Yet, we DO belong. Not because we deserve to be there, but because Jesus does. He alone is qualified to stand unashamed at the judgement. He alone is truly righteous, worthy of a place in heaven for all eternity. And he has chosen to share that privilege with all who trust in him for forgiveness and new life. Anyone who chooses not to continue walking with the sinners, but who turns
instead in repentance to put their hope in God is now counted with the righteous, not with the wicked. Because of Jesus, we belong in heaven.
I never completely silenced the inner voice of my Imposter Syndrome when I was a student. After all, I couldn’t prove that the Admissions Department hadn’t messed up somehow! But we CAN argue back against the Devil’s accusations. Yes, we are undeserving of a place in heaven, but we are nevertheless welcome. Jesus’ death on the cross proves it once and for all.
Let’s thank him for that today, and ask for his help to keep trusting wholeheartedly in the righteousness of Jesus for our salvation.
