4 Because the Lord’s word is right,
his every act is done in good faith.
5 He loves righteousness and justice;
the Lord’s faithful love fills the whole earth.
Reflection
The concept of justice is a cornerstone of America. It is the first purpose listed in the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution, “We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect union, establish Justice…” It’s in our Pledge of Allegiance, “with liberty and justice for all.” The words “Equal Justice Under Law” are written above the entrance to the Supreme Court.
As citizens, we want government to enforce justice and punish people who break the law. Yet we try them in the court of public opinion long before they see the inside of the courtroom. We want to get restitution, and for people to “face justice” and we’re not concerned with whether or not their punishment reforms them. In a land founded on justice, the United Sates has the largest incarceration rate in the world. Clearly, human justice is not God’s idea of justice.
This Psalm praises the divine attributes of Holy God as righteousness, justice and faithful love. God is the source from which justice and love flow. As sinners, we deserve God’s justice, instead we are met with love. God’s love is reason for the restoration of all of humanity into relationship with God. God loved us so much that God sent Jesus to redeem us from sin and death. We are justified through faith in Christ. God’s justice is not the end, but the beginning, because God’s grace filled justice is redemptive, restorative, transformative and above all loving. With out God’s love, justice results in judgement, punishment and suffering. So God’s justice, is God’s love in action.
God’s love brings justice where there is injustice. God hears the cries of those seeking justice and will answer them. Jesus calls us to be bringers of justice, to love our neighbors, to love our enemies, to care for the sick, the immigrant, the poor, and the marginalized in the same way we want to be treated. As those redeemed by God through Christ, we are called by God and have the responsibility to work for justice for those who are oppressed.
God’s love seeks justice for those suffering from injustice because we are all created in God’s image. As children of God, we are the embodiment of God’s love, so we relentlessly pursue justice to right the injustices against those who are powerless in the face of unjust systems. The pursuit of justice isn’t political, it’s loving others as God loves us. This is the Kin(g)-dom work we are called to do in community together, empowered by the Spirit, to bring God’s peace, shalom, to the whole world.
by Jeneene Reduker
For Pondering & Prayer
As followers of Jesus we are confronted by those who suffer injustice everyday. How do you respond when you see injustice? Where do you feel God is calling you to advocate for justice? Look for ways you can get involved.
Prayer: Holy and Loving God, send us into the world to bear witness to your love, strengthen us to engage in the struggle for justice. Amen.
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