Worse than Andrew Neil

Scotsman Andrew Neil is one of the most formidable journalists we have. Leaders of political parties have this week submitted to a half-hour grilling, as he pores over their manifestos, spending plans and other inconsistencies. Mr Corbyn was tackled about antisemitism and not properly costing his policies, Nicola Sturgeon over her party’s poor handling of the Scottish health service and plans for an independent Scotland to join the EU. I’m looking forward to the leaders of the Brexit Party and Lib Dems being subjected to a similar level of scrutiny. But where’s Boris Johnson? The current occupier of Number Ten this afternoon failed to confirm if he would be interviewed by the wily Scot. Is he afraid? Has he too much to lose? I certainly imagine that Mr Neil will be spoilt for choice when selecting questions for gaff-prone Mr Johnson. 

If Johnson is fearful of such an interview, I cannot blame him. Neil’s beady eye misses nothing, and he exposes failure and stupidity like one switching on a fluorescent light in a dark cellar. I would be afraid of him examining everything I've written or said, but then I’m unlikely to be of interest. What if we had each to appear before One who is even more skilled a prosecutor than Mr Neil? One whose records covered every thought, word and deed since birth? One who combined His role of questioner with Supreme Judge of the universe? The Bible is clear- before such a One must we all appear. Many folk are afraid of dying, but mainly because they do not know what happens next. If they did know, they’d realise they’re not terrified enough. Paul said in Acts 17:31:

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.

Jesus Christ- the One scorned and neglected by most humans, will be the Judge before whom they will all one day tremble. This terrible assize will make any BBC political interview resemble a picnic in the woods. Yet I am not afraid. Neither is any Christian. For our guilt and sin, though they be great, are already paid for. The penalty of our wickedness is spent and rescinded. Our great and dreadful Judge is also the Saviour and loving friend of those who believe in Him. He pays for the crimes of those He loves but judges and sentences those who reject Him. 

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Romans 8:1

I pity Boris Johnson. Not because he fears Neil’s grilling, but he doesn’t fear enough Christ’s seat of judgement.