It was gut-wrenching to watch the viral Coldplay-concert clip: As the crowd danced and sang, the stadium’s camera panned to an embracing couple—unaware they were being filmed. But the moment they saw themselves on the big screen, their reaction said it all. The man quickly ducked out of view, and the woman turned her back to the camera in visible panic.
They weren’t smiling. They weren’t celebrating. They were ashamed. In a flash, it was clear: They had been caught red-handed in something they knew was wrong. And I couldn’t help but think:
What must their families have felt seeing it all unfold online?
That moment of exposure serves as a sobering picture of what’s coming for all of us.
When God’s Light Shines on Our Darkness
One day, every person will stand before God’s judgment throne (Rev. 20:11–15). His perfect holiness will expose not just our actions but our hidden motives, thoughts and desires. Every “harmless” lie, every impure thought, every selfish motive will be laid bare in an instant.
And we won’t be able to duck out of the frame.
There will be no excuses. No shadows left to hide in. Just the searing light of truth and a deep, terrifying sense of guilt. That’s what every sinner deserves.
That’s what I deserve.
When Grace Covers What Guilt Cannot
But here’s the good news: Jesus has already taken the spotlight of judgment for us (2 Cor. 5:21). On the cross he bore the full weight of our sin and shame (Isa. 53). He endured the wrath of God so we wouldn’t have to (Rom. 5:9).
“To the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness” (Rom. 4:5).
On Judgment Day, I won’t hide. I won’t run. Not because I’m innocent, but because I’m forgiven. Jesus paid it all.
Trust in Jesus Today.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Trust in Jesus to save you today. Receive the free gift of eternal life through faith in him alone (John 3:16).
Do it now—because when the brilliance of God’s holiness spotlights your sin on Judgment Day, it will be too late to escape the camera.
“He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart” 1 Cor. 4:5.
This article originally appeared on gregstier.org and is reposted here by permission.