Friday: Further Thought – Mercy and Justice in the Old Testament: Part 2
Read Jeremiah 22:1-16; Ezekiel 16:49; Zechariah 7:9-10. Read Ellen G. White Comments, pp. 1165, 1166, in The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 4; “God’s Design in Our Sanitariums,” pp. 227, 228, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6.
Image © Phil McKay from GoodSalt.com
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Mic. 6:8, NIV). How much clearer could the Lord be in regard to what He asks of His people? God has shown us what is “good,” and this “good” is the same word used again and again in Genesis 1:1-31, referring to the pre-Fall Creation. Thus, implicitly we are pointed back to the ideal, to what God originally had for us and, ultimately, what He will restore to us after Jesus returns. The phrase translated “require of you” could also be (and perhaps more accurately) translated as “seek from you.” That is, what does God “seek from” us, we, His redeemed people covered by the grace of Christ? The answer is shown in how we are to relate to others and to God. First, we are to act justly. This is so appropriate given the topic of this quarter, which is on how we can help those who are often helpless victims of injustice. Second, we are to love mercy. We live in a world that, at times, can be so unmerciful. What a powerful witness we could be were we to love mercy and show that love by revealing mercy in our lives toward others. Third, we are to walk humbly before God.If the Lord in Micah 6:4 referred them back to their deliverance from Egypt as a reason for them to be humble and faithful before Him, how much more so should that apply to us, we who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus? The reality of the Cross, and what it cost to redeem us, should always keep us humble before our God.
Discussion Questions:
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In response to Question #3, I think the following comments give some examples from our own history, where the balance [at least potentially] has not been right.
"The Lord does not give us direction to erect buildings for the care of babies, ALTHOUGH THIS IS A GOOD WORK, BUT IT IS NOT THE WORK FOR THE PRESENT TIME. Let the world do all it will in this line. Our time and means must be invested in a different line of work. We are to carry the last message of mercy in the very best way to reach those in the churches who are hungering and praying for light." (EGW —Letter 232, 1899.)
[In my opinion, the principle contained in this warning can be applied in other areas.]
Also, in a letter to J.H. Kellogg, when he was focusing too much on the medical work :
"The light came to me, clear and distinct, that the medical missionary work was absorbing too much, while a more definite work in special lines was being neglected, that you were gathering into your arms A CLASS OF WORK THAT IS NEVER ENDING, which was eclipsing the work that needs to be done in every city—the proclamation of the soon coming of Christ. The third angel’s message was being blanketed, and you were not altogether straight on these things."
Hi Stewart:
Thank you for the quotations. They beautifully illustrate the principle that should undergird our approach to people everywhere---in the home, in the church and in the community. And that is as follows: Even as we minister to the temporal needs of our fellowmen, our ultimate goal is to convey to them the message of God's love.
Excellent points Stewart! Our mission is for sure the Three Angels Message! Christ in John 17 tells us that He came to bring Glory to our Father and that HIS mission is our mission! In Isaiah 61 and Luke 4 we also see the depth of that mission! Nowhere do I find we are called to "build houses" but to add to the LORD's house! WHEN a person is truly converted that conversion changes everything! The way they live etc! Homes, communities are THEN cleaned up to bring glory to God! We tend to put the cart before the horse!
Where and when is the right balance and who determines who the most needy are?
Great questions! If we are putting the Lord first, then the Holy Spirit will be sent to guide us. We won't have to worry about things, as His will becomes accomplished. If we ask for wisdom, it will be revealed. Sometimes, we simply need to listen to others with experience. I don't think there's a one size fits all measurement, otherwise. Ask for grace and guidance, believing that Christ loves answering prayers for justice, mercy and humility. It's not always an expert mind needed (though there is mission for them, too), but a merciful heart and willing spirit to do what we are able. Perhaps, foremost, people need relief from suffering so they might be able to hear the Gospel message without distraction? God bless you, Brother!
The applications of how to care for the needy must be done in a way that is helpful as well as useful. No doubt The text in Mica 6:8 is very open ended in their application. Planning and preparation can not be replaced by a come what may attitude in order to accomplish what is intended. This is the reason for the question , how does one determine what a need is? For instance I have a dependable car to take me where I need to go. I think though I really need a more expensive car for any number of reasons. Obviously in my mind there is no reason to justify expenditures where help is not needed.
Our ultimate goal and purpose should always be leading everyone we come in contact with to Jesus. God in his wisdom does place others in our path to give us an opportunity to shed that light. And what a privilege and a blessing to help the poor and needy, but what good would it do if we forget our main purpose. We should also keep that in mind and share HIS love and tell other what a wonderful Savior is Jesus our Lord. We plant the seed, the Holy Spirit does the rest.
The big question is? How did our master Jesus Christ find a balance?
We will all found out the answer to your question next week. I can hardly wait until tomorrow after church to start reading it.