“He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.“
Psalm 9:8

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God’s justice is an expression of His authority. How thankful we can be that the living God judges in righteousness and rules with justice! History provides countless examples where authority has been instituted without righteousness or justice. Tyrannical rulers have eliminated their subjects’ rights and exercised control through force and terror; indeed, injustice repeats itself around the globe in centuries past and still today within our own time.

Yet our God has the power and authority to do whatever He pleases—and has chosen righteousness and justice to characterize His rule and relationship with creation. People thrive when righteousness and justice are exercised by the one in authority.

God’s justice requires us to view each other as fellow image bearers, all creation as precious to the Creator. Thus, justice includes such things as the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death, integrity between people, respect for all aspects of God’s creation, fidelity in marriage, and Jesus’ command to care for anyone in need be they friend or stranger. The carnage created by violating these principles is plain to see in our society and everywhere else on the planet. The fallout of injustice resulting from rejecting God’s justice is manifest.

Injustice is synonymous with rebellion against God’s authority.

As believers, are we grieved by the injustice in our lives, communities, and society?  None of us is righteous; no one dispenses flawless justice in our dealings with others. So, humble submission to our righteous Judge who governs with justice is our proper response.

When God’s justice has come in full—when God’s kingdom is on earth as it is in heaven—God will judge the world with righteousness and govern with justice. Finally, finally the suffering and sin that wear us down and tear at our societies will be undone, and creation will be made perfect and complete.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • How does God’s righteousness and governance with justice give you confidence to stand for righteousness and justice here and now?
  • How do you engage in the struggle against personal unrighteousness and society’s many injustices?
  • What would the Lord have you do to see justice?

 

Church Reading Plan: Jeremiah 12; Matthew 26