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).
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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.