Justice Jesus' Way

Daily Reading: Isaiah 42

Scripture Focus: Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.  He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.  He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law. (Isaiah 42.1-4)

Devotional Thought:  Justice is elusive.  Many in our day seek it - whether in regard to the origins of COVID-19 or to police responses in some of our cities.

But how do we get justice?  Isaiah described how justice is realized through Jesus:

·       Jesus is God's servant.  I am wary of "solutions" advanced by media, medicine, mayors, and mobs.  These solutions are sometimes driven by unjust ideologies.  Many are motivated by things unrelated to pandemics and policing.  Jesus, however, is driven by the love of God for all - even the unjust!

·       God has chosen Jesus.  Some elevate themselves as unique purveyors of justice.  Jesus, however, as God's Son, is uniquely qualified, prepared, and empowered to bring about justice. 

·       Jesus brings justice to the nations.  While the Jews of his day wanted political justice, Jesus showed little concern for their geopolitical contests. God sent Jesus to apply justice equally everywhere.  Today, we can ill-afford to equate Americanism with justice.

·       He works quietly.  It was Jesus' practice to do his work in the shadows, one life at a time, until he came to that supreme act of justice - his death on the cross.  How much noise masquerades as justice today?

·       He does not take advantage of the defenseless.  Justice will not push one down to raise another up.

·       He will continue working for the cause of justice.  Jesus' justice will one day encircle the globe.  So, too, we must seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness (justice) until it fills our hearts.

Prayer: Lord, when my heart can but groan, you do not break me; though others disown, you never forsake me.  Your Servant who guides me, in whom you delight, is always beside me by day and by night.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 77.10-15

10 Then I said, "I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High."

11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.

13 Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?

14 You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.

15 You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah