Perfect Justice

image source: biblestudytools.com

    "But, Mo--om! It's not fair!"  If I've heard this once, I've heard it a thousand times.  No matter how hard we attempt to parent "fairly," there simply isn't a way to ensure that everyone gets exactly the same experiences throughout life.  It may be as simple as pieces of candy, or it may be something bigger -- like an outing with family or friends. As our children grow, they understand the situations better, but younger ones frequently still have to learn the hard lesson that life just isn't always perfectly fair in our eyes.  Choosing to be joyful for another when we feel left out can be quite difficult! 

    Our culture is very focused on treating everyone equally these days.  However the more they try to accomplish this, it seems that someone or some group is left out or offended. Now, I am by no means saying that this isn't a lofty goal, simply pointing out that, as a society, we haven't figured out what equality means or how to implement it. 

     It sure would be nice if we could offer our children a perfectly fair world to live in, wouldn't it?  Or would it? What if everyone got exactly what they deserved?  Where would we be? 

    When we begin to look at this issue from a Biblical worldview, we see that God is very concerned with equality and justice for all of humanity.  God's justice is actually quite harsh by today's standards.  Have you read the Law given to Moses?  Ummm... pretty sure any of us would have a difficult time getting used to God's standard of justice.  But just it is.  Extremely just and fair.  Every human is created in the image of God. We all deserve death and separation from God for our sin.  

    Here is where God's mercy comes in.  Because of His mercy, or lovingkindness, He provided Jesus and a way for us to live an undeserved life of eternal joy in Him! Praise God we don't get what we deserve!  The Bible is clear that He does and will punish sin, but He desires that all of His creation come to repentance, and that they should not perish. (2 Peter 3:9) In His mercy, He made a way. 

    Looking at how we train our children or explain to others in our culture about justice and equity in this world, we can look to Micah 6:8.  This is a favorite verse of mine.  It is simple and clear to understand:

He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

    Our God is very clear about how expects us to live.  He asks for 3 things:  

        1. Do Justice (or act justly)

        2.  Love Kindness (or mercy)

        3.  Walk Humbly with our God

    To do these things, we simply have to look to Jesus who gave us the perfect example.  Perfect justice can only be issued from God Himself, where it is always paired with His mercy for those who trust in Him.  This word  justice used in Micah 6:8 is referring to the judgements of God. The Psalms are full of praise and love for God's Law.  His Law shows us His perfect character.  It is just. Jesus treated all men fairly and with love, but He did not compromise on sin.  He actively rebuked sin while showing mercy to repentant sinners.  Then, He walked humbly with God.  He, who was God, humbled Himself to the point of the most degrading death -- the cross. He perfectly modeled those three points from Micah 6:8.  If God Himself could walk on earth humbly,  is it too much to ask that we walk humbly with God?  Of course not. Our culture teaches us to make more of ourselves than we ought.  God expects humility.  He will exalt the humble and bring down those who exalt themselves.  He holds all justice in His hands.  We can trust Him!

    I pray that we grow more like our Savior this week.  

💓 Heather Sparks 💓