God's Concern For Justice

 

Thu EP Reflection 060321 (Deut. 16: 18-20; Luke 18:1-8)

God’s concern for Justice. V. 19 “You must not distort justice; you must not show partiality”. I have been a member of Amnesty international for the last 10 years. I have learned a few things about humans’ idea of justice. The majority of cases I have read, are truly deserving of my attention. Most times, I learnt that in countries with high records of human rights abuses, victims are sentenced to death for issues that truly don’t deserve death penalty. God was concerned about Israel’s judges. God instructed them to show no partiality. I am yet to see a human court in which, there is no partiality. In the Gospel according to Luke 18, Jesus tells a story of a widow that went to a really bad judge, yet because she annoyed him with incessant visits, he agreed to sort out her case, not out of the need to do the right thing but because he wanted to get rid of her. I thought the story was hilarious because it sort of says a lot of about our human judges. Not all judges are bad, we should add. They are not infallible. The bad ones will side with the rich anytime. Are we surprised? They have flawed human hearts eyes like us, they often take skewed, selfish and unilateral perspectives. Why would we expect anything better from them? Jesus presents us a widow who found a really simple solution: Knock the heck out of the Judge’s door every day! No, I am kidding! If the widow was granted her wish, then: “Will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night?” God is not unjust and impartial like our human judges.

Tragically from the very beginnings, our world observed humans oppressing and enslaving other humans, (Sarai’s treatment of Hagar her Egyptian slave) it is a behavior that does not endear anyone except the beneficiaries. It makes me wonder what Jesus meant when he told the story of Lazarus and the rich man: “Abraham said: Child, during your lifetime, you received good things and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony…” God’s justice is unparalleled! Our own justice is skewed. It pains me beyond belief when those concerned with the truth are imprisoned. One day we will answer to God how we used our power/influence. I remember how I never wanted to admit the truth of those who said they were oppressed. Later, the suffering I endured from injustice created strong feelings in my heart…I learned that seeking revenge would not help in any way. Unfortunately, this happens way more than we care to admit. It’s easy to disregard sufferings of others, as long as it does not affect us…I see the complex issue of race, not only in America, but in many other European countries; the issues of tribal groups conflicts; or of political parties, and of nations. We humans don’t lack creativity in separatisms. I am sorry for being sarcastic about it and painting a grim picture. There is hope though, because as believers, we are guests passing through in this world. We are supposed to be the salt of the earth! There are glimpses of the Kingdom of God, some I have seen…A man from a different tribe hiding another man from the opposing tribe to save him from a mob… A Lion protecting a young wildebeest… These examples look like an aberration in our present world, but they are glimpses of heaven on earth. Justice in the present human world has always felt like a losing game in my eyes. Looking at the present trajectory, I am afraid I am pessimistic because I think the strong will continue to oppress the weak, and only with God’s intervention, have we observed the reverse. These verses speak into this issue:

Romans 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Without the Holy Spirit, we are desperately lost and without hope. We have no need to defend ourselves that we are righteous in our human ways of handling the issue of Justice. Our ways are fallen and no human system has proved to be perfect so far. Hey, I know: God is perfect! Paul tells the Romans and us; not to be overcome by evil but rather to overcome evil with good. It won’t matter if you are a victim or accused of injustice; prejudice or political incorrectness. We are in the same boat when it comes to responding in godly ways. Let us re-read Romans 12: 17-21 and meditate on it. God’s words do affect us and help our transformational journey be substantial.