INJUSTICE
WHY IS GOD SO INSISTENT IN CONDEMNING INJUSTICE?
BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 16:18-20
KEY BIBLE VERSE: You must never twist justice or show partiality. Never accept a bribe, for bribes blind the eyes of the wise and corrupt the decisions of the godly. (Deuteronomy 16:19)
INJUSTICE UNDERMINES COMMUNITY PEACE.
These verses anticipated a great problem the Israelites would face when they arrived in the Promised Land. Although they had Joshua as their national leader, they failed to complete the task and choose other spiritual leaders who would lead the tribes, districts, and cities with justice and God’s wisdom. Because they did not appoint wise judges and faithful administrators, rebellion and injustice plagued their communities. It is a serious responsibility to appoint or elect wise and just officials. In your sphere of influence-home, church, school, job-are you ensuring that justice and godliness prevail? Failing to choose leaders who uphold justice can lead to much trouble, as Israel would discover.
BIBLE READING: Habakkuk 1:1-17
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Must I forever see this sin and misery all around me? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. (Habakkuk 1:3)
INJUSTICE CAN TEMPT US TO BELIEVE THAT GOD DOES NOT CARE.
Saddened by the violence and corruption he saw around him, Habakkuk poured out his heart to God. Today injustice is still rampant, but don’t let your concern cause you to doubt God or rebel against him. Instead, consider the message that God gave Habakkuk, and recognize God’s long-range plans and purposes. Realize that God is doing right, even when you do not understand why he works as he does.
INJUSTICE CAN TEMPT US TO BELIEVE GOD HAS FORGOTTEN.
God responded to Habakkuk’s questions and concerns by stating that he would do amazing acts that would astound Habakkuk. When circumstances around us become almost unbearable, we wonder if God has forgotten us. But remember, he is in control. God has a plan and will judge evildoers in his time. If we are truly humble, we will be willing to accept God’s answers and await his timing.
HISTORY DEMONSTRATES THAT INJUSTICE HAS DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES.
God told the inhabitants of Jerusalem that they would be utterly amazed at what he was about to do. The people would, in fact, see a series of unbelievable events: (1) their own independent and prosperous kingdom, Judah, would suddenly become a vassal nation; (2) Egypt, a world power for centuries, would be crushed almost overnight; (3) Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire, would be so completely ransacked that people would forget where it had been; and (4) the Babylonians would rise to power. Though these words were indeed amazing, the people saw them fulfilled during their lifetime.
HOW CAN WE OVERCOME INJUSTICE?
BIBLE READING: Matthew 5:38-48
KEY BIBLE VERSE: You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:43-44, NIV)
WE SHOULD NOT RETALIATE WITH INJUSTICE.
When we are wronged, often our first reaction is to get even. Instead Jesus said we should do good to those who wrong us! Our desire should not be to keep score, but to love and forgive. This is not natural-it is supernatural. Only God can give us the strength to love as he does. Instead of planning vengeance, pray for those who hurt you.
INJUSTICE MUST BE MET WITH JUSTICE.
To many Jews of Jesus’ day, these statements were offensive. Any Messiah who would turn the other cheek was not the military leader they wanted to lead a revolt against Rome. Since they were under Roman oppression, they wanted retaliation against their enemies, whom they hated. But Jesus suggested a new, radical response to injustice: instead of demanding rights, give them up freely! According to Jesus, it is more important to give justice and mercy than to receive it.
INJUSTICE CAN BE OVERCOME BY LOVE.
By telling us not to retaliate, Jesus keeps us from taking the law into our own hands. By loving and praying for our enemies, we can overcome evil with good.
The Pharisees interpreted Leviticus 19:18 as teaching that they should love only those who love in return, and Psalms 139:19-22 and 140:9-11 as meaning that they should hate their enemies. But Jesus says we are to love our enemies. If you love your enemies and treat them well, you will truly show that Jesus is Lord of your life. This is possible only for those who give themselves fully to God, because only he can deliver people from natural selfishness. We must trust the Holy Spirit to help us show love to those for whom we may not feel love.