We love and serve the God of justice
Micah 6:8 says this is what God desires from humankind: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (NIV). What does “acting justly” mean in the context of our everyday lives? In this week’s devotions, God of Justice coauthors Nikki A. Toyama-Szeto and Abraham George examine the examples of Jesus and the early church to unpack what justice looks like and why it is so crucial in the life of faith.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Luke 2:17–21
“The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: ‘The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.’. . . Then he began to speak to them. ‘The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!’”
Our Just and Merciful Savior
Jesus has come to bring real, tangible justice on earth. The book of Isaiah includes many verses that describe God’s heart for justice, and when Jesus comes to earth, the first way he introduces himself is by quoting the prophet Isaiah and announcing that he has come to bring sight to the blind and proclaim freedom for prisoners among other redemptive and restorative acts. These are very real, tangible actions that he proclaims as a significant part of his mission on earth.
Jesus is very specifically linking himself to this savior in Isaiah who will bring justice to the poor. Notice also how clearly he says that this Scripture has been fulfilled today. This is amazing encouragement for us to know that when we participate in the work of justice here on earth, we are participating in the work that Jesus made the huge journey from heaven to do. Doing the work of justice is not just good; it is Christlike!
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Matthew 14:19–21
“Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!”
Up Close and Personal
Often it can be tempting to relegate Jesus to the spiritual things in life. He’s in charge of forgiving sins, grace, and sanctification (or insert some other “churchy” concept). But when it comes to the nitty-gritty of life, does Jesus really understand?
But in Scripture we see a picture of Jesus, a flesh-and-blood Jesus, walking in and among the people, meeting people where they are. He is up close and personal to the sick, to the lame. This is a Jesus who has to eat because he has a body. This is a picture of God, the God who comes near. We see a picture of Jesus who feels compassion and anger. We begin to see pictures of Jesus who cares not just about people’s souls, but about their bodies and their everyday reality too.
Jesus was widely criticized for helping people because he reached out to those who society saw as worthless, or because he acted in ways that went against the culture of the day. In order to be more like Christ, we need to be equally brave and learn to see people as more important than anything else.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Acts 2:42–47
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
