The metaphor of equality. The patibulum speaks of equality in the illustration of the horizontal beam held perfectly level when nailed to a vertical beam. This balance speaks of our relationship with one another. It also illustrates for us that we are all on the same level with God. God is no respecter of persons, like man is. It reminds us to not judge one another but, rather, to walk in love with our fellow man, while looking up to God. That’s the crucified life in action.
Following are a few scripture passages that tell us how God feels about unjust balances:
Job 31:6: Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity. [KJV]
Isaiah 40:12: Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth I a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? [KJV]
Daniel 5:27: TEKEL: Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. [KJV]
Proverbs 11:1: A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight. [KJV]
Jesus, in applying this law of the kingdom said:
Matthew 7:3-5:
v. 3: Why do you stare from without at the very small particle that is in your brother’s eye but do not become aware of and consider the beam of timber that is in your own eye? [Amp]
v. 4: Or how can you say to your brother: Let me get the tiny particle out of your eye, when there is the beam of timber in your own eye? [Amp]
v. 5: You hypocrite, first get the beam of timber out of your own eye; and then you will see clearly to take the tiny particle out of your brother’s eye. [Amp]
Jesus taught his disciples not only that unjust balances were wrong, he taught that a double standard was proof that we were judging our fellow man. His entire point was first predicated in verses 1-2.
Matthew 7:1-2:
vs. 1: Judge not, that ye be not judged;
vs. 2: For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again.
The issue here is that we are not to to judge another person who is on our level because that elevates us to God’s level and we don’t qualify to be there. To put it another way, we don’t belong on the throne. Only God belongs on the throne. The law of the spirit in Christ Jesus takes offense to anyone who sees themselves, either intentionally or negligently, as qualified to judge their fellow man. If the law of the spirit in Christ Jesus is offended by our judging one another then the only conclusion available is that judging one another is treason against Almighty God.
Yet, we must recognize evil in order to avoid it. So how does one avoid judging their fellow man while recognizing evil since our carnal nature contains evil? The answer is that we must recognize the difference between judgment and discernment. The difference is pride. Judgment functions in pride. Pride that compares us to one another and makes us feel good about ourselves when we compare our shortcomings as less than others. Discernment functions in humility. Discernment is based on humility which leads us to a heart of empathy and compassion toward others when they fall.
Another area Jesus taught this principle of justice is found in the previous chapter.
Matthew 6:14: For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
So Jesus not only points out that a just balance in our hearts is crucial to God forgiving us, but he also points out that we won’t receive from God without that just balance; which is an indication that the patibulum is directly connected to the vertical beam, which speaks of our relationship with God. Forgiveness is the cross in action because when we live life at the foot of the cross, we’re able to forgive anybody for anything.
Isn’t God brilliant in masterminding His plan of salvation? It’s truly the only answer to mankind’s dilemma. The brilliance of God lays within the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ in that He gave His only son for every son of man. And that’s an even trade! And in addition to that, every man regardless of his intellectual ability can comprehend and believe it. It’s a matter of faith, and not of intellect. Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? We must first know Him as Lord and Savior before we can ever enjoy our relationship with Him as His friend. If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and you would like to know Him, just say this prayer to Him:
Father in Heaven, I admit I am a sinner and I have not walked with you in my life. I acknowledge your son is Jesus Christ and he is the only mediator between us. Jesus, I am a sinner, I come to you for forgiveness of my sin and ask you to come into my heart and be the Lord of my Life. I will follow you at any and all costs. Help me hear and obey your voice at all times and walk close to you. Help me to stay sensitive to the leading of your precious Holy Spirit. In your name, Lord Jesus I ask. Amen.
Join us next time for The Metaphor of the Cross – Part 4: The Patibulum (Conclusion): [https://vyzyn.org/the-metaphor-of-the-cross-part-4-the-patibulum-contd/]
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