WHERE IS JUSTICE?

Part 4

Proverbs 21:3, “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

Justice is a noun, but also an action. In the Bible I find ten verbs regarding justice. This is what we are to do about it…

Think justice (Proverbs 12:5)

Seek justice (Isaiah 1:17)

Know justice (Jeremiah 5:4; 8:7; Micah 3:1)

Talk justice (Psalm 37:30; Proverbs 16:10)

Execute justice (Deuteronomy 33:21b; Psalm 106:30; Proverbs 21:3, 15; Jeremiah 7:5-7; 21:12; 22:3; 33:15-16; Ezekiel 5:8, 15; 18:8-9; Zechariah 7:9-10; 8:16) You will notice that there are many Scriptures about executing justice. It is not enough to think it is a good idea. We have to put it into practice.

Establish justice (Proverbs 29:4; Amos 5:15)

Preserve justice (Isaiah 56:1)

Follow justice (Deuteronomy 16:20)

Joy in justice (Psalm 48:11; Proverbs 21:15)

Sing of justice (Psalm 101:1)

This is all great. But we know that justice is often a hard thing to execute and even harder to receive. It is often painful for parents to discipline their children; they would rather gloss over it and hope the problem will go away. But it doesn’t work like that. Sin is like yeast and multiplies. It must be nipped in the bud. Hebrews 12:11 says, “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but grievous; nevertheless, afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who been trained by it.” Afterwards! Do you notice that word? Blessing comes after discipline. There are many incidents in the Bible where grievous justice was executed, but great blessing came afterwards.

Do you remember when Moses went up the mount for 40 days and nights to receive the Ten Commandments from God? The people of Israel gave up on him and cajoled Aaron to make a golden calf for them to worship. If that wasn’t enough, they let go all restraint and reveled in all kinds of disgusting behavior. When Moses came down from the mount, he was so distraught he threw the precious tablets on the ground and smashed them. He called out, “Who is on the Lord’s side? Let him come unto me?” Who came to Moses? All the Levites.

Moses then executed justice. He told the Levites to go through the camp and slay their brothers, friends and neighbors. It must have been agony for them to do such a terrible thing but they obeyed and 3,000 people died. I am sure the fear of God came into the camp. I am sure it was God’s mercy that only 3,000 died. They could have all been wiped out. But after the tragedy blessing came.

Moses told the Levites, “Today you have been ordained for the service of the Lord… Because of this, he will now give you a great blessing.” They were chosen for the priesthood. They were chosen to camp close to the tabernacle where the Shekinah glory of God dwelt. All the rest of the tribes had to camp “afar off.” You can read all about it in Exodus chapter 32 and Numbers 1:50-54; 2:1-2.

Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron also received the blessing of an “everlasting priesthood” because he was zealous for God and put to death the couple who committed adultery in the eyes of Moses and the people. (Numbers 25:6-13)

Joshua and the children of Israel were defeated by the city of Ai because of sin in the camp. When justice was executed they won the victory over their enemies. (Joshua 7)

The twins of “Salvation and Safety” and “Peace and Righteousness” are the blessings of executing justice. (Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:15-16; Hebrews 12:11)

God orders the universe with justice and judgment. In the same way, we should order the little universe of our homes. Does that mean that parents rule with an iron rod? That their homes are religious and full of legality? Of course not. Our homes are to be spheres of love and joy, peace and happiness. They are to be like the first Eden, which means “delight”. They are to be filled with laughter and fun. They are to be sanctuaries of rest from discord and strife.

Justice comes into play when these blessings are violated. A home is no longer a haven when children are disobedient and rebellious. The parents are distressed, the children are unhappy and the atmosphere is dreadful. It is no longer heaven on earth; it is hell. When justice is executed peace reigns again. Children are secure for they have clear boundaries and know the difference between good and evil. And parents are no longer frazzled. They can enjoy life as they experience the blessing of Proverbs 29:17, “Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul.”

May God teach us how to walk in His justice.

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

PRAYER:

“Father, it is easy to give in to what is easy. Please help me to understand your justice and to be brave enough to stand on your side. Amen.”

AFFIRMATION:

I’m enjoying rest from disobedient children!

 

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