Wednesday: Called to Establish Justice
Daily Lesson for Wednesday 19th of March 2025
The prophets in Scripture continually highlight God’s call for justice in society. Again and again, Scripture does not shrink back from highlighting issues of injustice and oppression. Indeed, the call for God to bring judgment was itself the call for God to establish justice.
For example, the prophet Isaiah does not mince words about the injustice in Israel at the time. His words and call for justice should ring loud and clear in our ears today. “ ‘Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow’ ” (Isaiah 1:17, NKJV). Further, he proclaims “ ‘woe’ ” against those who “ ‘decree unrighteous decrees’ ” and “ ‘rob the needy of justice’ ” (Isaiah 10:1-2, NKJV), warning: “ ‘What will you do in the day of punishment, and in the desolation which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help? And where will you leave your glory?’ ” (Isaiah 10:3, NKJV).
Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com
Likewise, the prophet Jeremiah proclaims God’s message: “ ‘Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness and his chambers by injustice, who uses his neighbor’s service without wages and gives him nothing for his work. . . . Did not your father eat and drink, and do justice and righteousness? then it was well with him. He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Was not this knowing Me?’ says the Lord” (Jeremiah 22:13,15-16, NKJV).
Read Matthew 23:23-30. What does Jesus teach here about what is most important? What do you think He means when He refers to “weightier matters”?
Lest one think that injustice was a concern only of Old Testament prophets, we see clearly here and elsewhere in Jesus’ ministry that this was of utmost concern to Christ Himself. As He puts it: “ ‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone’ ” (Matthew 23:23, NKJV). In the parallel passage in Luke, Jesus laments that they “ ‘pass by justice and the love of God’ ” (Luke 11:42, NKJV).
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If you were to focus on the “weightier matters” today, what would that look like as opposed to whatever “tithe of mint and anise and cumin” we might be focusing on instead? |
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A call to establish justice is a call for individuals to love and embrace justice. Strong foundations for justice lie in the hearts of men and women who cherish the principles of Fairness and Impartiality. This is a personal resolve to live an upright life by the grace of God. Corrupt institutions, organisations, governments, and churches are simply made of corrupt individuals. It is people who are corrupt and not buildings or infrastructure. A call to establish justice is a personal call to love justice. One’s attitude and viewpoint towards the essence of justice is foundational in upholding fairness and integrity. No number of rules, procedures, regulations, and policies can deter a corrupt heart from doing malpractices. God is calling his people to embrace His character of justice. Justice originates from God and reflects His nature of righteousness.
“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” - Deuteronomy 32:4
The absence of justice, (injustice) is very costly. Injustice causes destruction, judgment, and loss of God’s favour. Injustice destroys nations and societies. “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). A nation that practices injustice will bring national ruin (Ezekiel 22:29-31). Injustice causes social division, violence, economic ruin. Corrupt nations or societies will ultimately collapse. Corruption is a deadly poison. Injustice (corruption) bring personal ruin.
“What sorrow awaits you who build big houses with money gained dishonestly! You believe your wealth will buy security, putting your family’s nest beyond the reach of danger. But by the murders you committed, you have shamed your name and forfeited your lives. The very stones in the walls cry out against you, and the beams in the ceilings echo the complaint” - Habakkuk 2:9-11(NLT).
The costliest price for injustice (corruption) is separation from God. God’s call for justice is a call for personal peace, prosperity and the blessings of His presence (Isaiah 32:17).
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” - Isaiah 59:2
God is warning those who take part in all forms of malpractices to stop and live honest and upright life. God’s justice will prevail on the earth even though corruption seem to have triumphed for a while. God will bring all forms of injustice to judgement. The time has come for all believers to live a just and upright life. The time for clean hands, clean lips, clean thoughts, clean desires and clean walk is now.
“You trample the poor, stealing their grain through taxes and unfair rent. Therefore, though you build beautiful stone houses, you will never live in them. Though you plant lush vineyards, you will never drink wine from them. For I know the vast number of your sins and the depth of your rebellions. You oppress good people by taking bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts” – Amos 5:11-12 (NLT).
Today I am continuing my survey of texts that mention justice with a summary, this time from Isaiah. This book provides a deep insight not only into God's justice but also our responsibility as individuals and as a nation/church. I hope you find this summary as interesting and challenging as I have.
Only one is fair, and that is Jesus. We have to claim His sacrifice for us and then become justified.
‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone’ ” (Matthew 23:23, NKJV)
Notice what Jesus wasn't saying in his rebuke of the scribes, and Pharisees. He wasn't saying that tithing didn't matter. Their problem was that they elevated tithing over the other "weightier issues of the law," such as justice, mercy, and faith. They would often make a big display of their giving by announcing it and paying it in the equivalent of "pennies", pouring it into the tin horn slowly to make the most noise possible, to attract the attention of those nearby. They must have been chagringed by Jesus affirmation of the simple tinkling of the widows two mites. She gave of her need and was probably embarrassed that was all she had to give, yet she faithfully gave it.
Meanwhile, in their dealings of the 'weightier mattters' they were severely lacking. They had made their religion an outward display of ostentatiousness and looked down on others less fortunate, instead of helping to relieve the suffering of the less fortunate.
Could we fall into the same trap of 'majoring on the minors' while neglecting the 'weightier issues?'
It's an easy trap to fall into, thinking that I am not my brother's keeper, when indeed I am. It's a matter of the heart. We are His heart! Is His heart beating?
Of course, this discourse reminds me of a song. 😉 A classic from 1988 by Ray Boltz, titled, "We Are His Heart"
We Are His Heart
Their lonely eyes stare out
From the houses on my street
Sometimes I turn away
Before it starts to bother me
But this time something's worng
I must have watched too long
I can't earse their faces
From my mind
We are his heart
In HIs heart beating
We are his hands
Are HIs hands reaching
When will we realize
That you and I
must do our part
It's time to start
WE are His heart
Two thousand years ago
Upon a distant hill
A little boy gave all he had
And multiudes were filled
Where is that child today
Who gave it all away
Where is that love
We cannot let it die
We are his heart
In HIs heart beating
We are his hands
Are HIs hands reaching
When will we realize
That you and I
must do our part
It's time to start
WE are His heart
Hands reach
Reaching out in desperaton
In a dying world
Their lonely voices cry
I can feel ir growing stringer
we've got to reach out to them
We just can't turn away again
Where is that love
We cannot let them die
We are his heart
In HIs heart beating
We are his hands
Are HIs hands reaching
When will we realize
That you and I
must do our part
It's time to start
WE are His heart
Source: LyricFind
We Are His Heart lyrics © BMG Rights Management
A link to the music video of the artist singing the song
https://youtu.be/RbWwHrJkc8E?si=gvVFolOKgP5qb0RZ
The following comments were created by ChatGpt in response to the question: How should Christians in a democratic society approach helping the poor in countries that do not share their values?
Christians living in a democratic society can address helping the poor in other countries by focusing on the broader principles of love, justice, and compassion that transcend political or cultural boundaries. Even if the other country does not reflect the same values, Christians are called to love and care for all people, particularly the vulnerable, as taught by Jesus.This can be done in several ways:
• Prayer and Advocacy: Christians can pray for the needs of the poor in those countries, as well as for wisdom for their leaders. They can also advocate for policies and initiatives that promote justice and fairness for the poor on a global scale, regardless of political differences.
• Charitable Giving: Supporting trustworthy organizations that work in such countries to alleviate poverty can have a direct impact. Many Christian organizations provide humanitarian aid, healthcare, education, and more, addressing physical needs while respecting the local culture.
• Building Relationships: Whenever possible, building personal relationships or partnerships with local Christian communities or NGOs in those countries allows for better understanding and context-specific assistance, fostering respect and mutual cooperation.
• Respect for Cultural Differences: While promoting good values, Christians should approach these efforts with humility, respecting the cultural context of the people they are helping and being mindful not to impose their own values in ways that may be counterproductive or disrespectful.
In summary, the focus should be on demonstrating Christ-like love and service, regardless of differing national values, and ensuring that efforts to help are done with sensitivity and respect.
When God's Love takes root in a person’s heart and mind, His Justice and Righteousness are a natural outflow through his actions. As part of God's established design governing His Creation, we are invited to participate in this divine order and experience the fulfillment it brings - Gal.5:22-23.
Because our Creator is all-loving, He is also all-just — perfect love establishes perfect justice. Even for those who choose not to participate, no one is exempt from the effects of His perfectly balanced design - His Love being revealed through Justice and Mercy, culminating in His Grace. To establish this, all of God’s attributes work together in perfect harmony, reflecting His Glory throughout His Creation.
The lesson’s examples offer valuable insight into how His Love should manifest in human life. A believer in Jesus Christ, having accepted the Holy Spirit as his Guide, is empowered and called to be an instrument of God’s Love — expressing heart and mind through actions — so that the world may experience God’s presence - His Glory - in their lives – Rom. 9:22-24.