Midweek Message: Divine Equity

Psalm 9:7-8 The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.

He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. (NIV)

We live in troubled times and as Christians, we probably find it hard to see where God is working in the world. There are moments when I get overwhelmed with a great sadness for the amount of cruelty and injustice, inhumanity and hostility that is taking place, not just around the globe, but in our beloved and beleaguered nation.

When I read about innocent people being unjustly targeted, assaulted, imprisoned, and even killed, simply because they are immigrants, I get angry and often ask God what He is doing about it. It seems to me that cruel people, who even have the audacity to call themselves Christians, are corrupting and controlling our society in unjust and unaccountable ways. And because we are going through a time of unease and uncertainty, many good people say or do nothing, allowing evil to triumph and bullies to lead.

I guess that the ancient songwriter who wrote the ninth psalm understood some of the angst we share today. His world was also upended by cruelty and division, fear and anxiety, but despite these issues and concerns, he held on to his faith in God – a God who ultimately would judge the world with divine equity – seeing people for who they were and offering no favoritism to people in power, but rather siding with the marginalized and the oppressed, the victimized and powerless.

Perhaps we can apply our faith in a similar manner during these immoderate times. The proud and the arrogant, the brazen and the bigoted do not go unnoticed by God. They may make gains in the short term and circumvent the laws of the land, but eventually their ruin and downfall will occur because unlike them, the Lord reigns forever and rules the world with righteousness and judges the people with equity.

Point to ponder: How often do I struggle with what’s happening in today’s world? Am I willing to put my faith in God’s justice?

Prayer: Lord God, You know how unjust the world can be, for even Your Son was not spared from the cruelty and inhumanity of men. When we are perplexed, be our patience; when we are lost, lead us gently; when we are downhearted, raise our spirits. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

 

A Hard Teaching - Zephaniah 3:5

Zephaniah 3:5 The Lord within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame. (NIV)

            Some parts of the Bible are harder to accept and embrace than others. We usually look for promises and blessings from scripture to make us feel good, loved, and accepted by God, especially when we are going through some trying times. However, the Bible is not a quaint book full of positive thoughts and lovely affirmations. It is rooted in the struggle between God and humankind, so there are bits, passages, and sections that are very difficult to read and receive.

            Take, for instance, the passage from the prophet Zephaniah (3:1-10). It’s full of doom and gloom because it’s all about God’s wrathful response to the sins of His people. God comes across as a Destroyer of cities and nations which is actually very scary. There doesn’t seem to be anything positive to hold on to, or anything wonderful to glean. Now there are some folks who relish this kind of wrathful judgment in scripture and who use these words to spiritually terrorize other people. They gleefully embrace and apply these scornful words as weapons to condemn others who do not believe in God in a similar way. However, in doing this, they miss the point completely. In the midst of all the damnation and destruction, God is constantly upholding justice each day – for the poor and powerless, the deprived and marginalized.

            God is almighty and at any time He could destroy the entire universe, however, His grace endures and His mercy is given each day. Our role, as Christians, is to follow Christ and apply those divine blessings, even in a time when the unrighteous know no shame.

Point to ponder

Where do I see God’s justice prevail in the world? How can I align myself with His way?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, it is so very easy to condemn others, especially when we do not like what they are saying or doing. We can feel smug and self-important that we are not like them, but that would be false. In the midst of our sinful ways, teach us about justice, mercy, and grace. Help us to apply these gifts to those we dislike, oppose, and even distrust. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to give some feedback on today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Celtic drawings called “Celtic Heart.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Heart.