Mildness and Justice

Out by the pond the afternoon is chilly, and the sun bright on this day in mid-February. I can almost hear the low hum of the honeybees that will come in summer. The dance performed by the bees as they dip and sway is a mesmerizing act. They will hover over the plants around the pond that attract them and carry back to the hives the nectar that will be used to make honey. Thus another example of life’s cycle provided by the pond.

I have been amazed at the way God has taught me the parallels between nature and Christ. Even the bees can be associated with the character of Jesus. A statement from The Beekeepers Bible, caught my attention. It reads, “The bee is considered an emblem of Christ: His mildness and mercy on one side (honey) and His justice on the other (the sting).”

Speaking to the mildness and mercy of Christ we can look at Titus 3:4-5, “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” If we read onto verse seven we will find that we are justified by His grace and made heirs to the hope of eternal life!

We are justified! But this can only be appointed unto us by the Justifier, Jesus Christ himself. When we confess our sin we are forgiven as we see in I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” In this example, just is equivalent to true, we could reword the verse as he is faithful and true and we would have the same meaning.

Jesus will also rule the nations with justice as we see in Isaiah 9:6-7, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a child is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.” When Christ returns and reins on earth, His government, carried forth from the throne of David, will be from pole to pole, peaceful and never ending. He will rule with judgement and justice.

For a closer look at the second coming of Christ, I would direct you to Revelation 19:11-16. To sum up this section of verses, The Believer’s Bible Commentary simply says, “Our Jesus is the Supreme Ruler; all others must submit to His reign.” Jesus, mild, merciful and compassionate now in righteousness judges the nations.

Oh, may we taste honey and not feel the sharp prick of the sting.

(The Pond - 2016)