Day 278, Year 1

Practicing God’s Justice

“The weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness.” (Matthew 23:23b NASB)

The word “justice” is krisis in Greek; here it means “judgment, opinion, or decision given concerning anything, especially concerning right or wrong, sentence of condemnation and punishment.” And it appears also in two verses in Matthew, and He leads justice to victory (12:18, 20). The author pointed out that the most essential in the Law of Moses was first the judgment of justice and the fair and correct judgment embodied in the spirit of the Law, which is consistent with the teachings of Jesus. Below are several points worth noting.

First, fair and correct judgment. At that time, the Pharisees, etc., valued the gold in the temple and the offerings on the altar, but they neglected God’s fairness and rightness. This is somewhat similar to the mercenary pursuit seen in various developed areas today. Many people look to money and pay little regard to what is fair and right. Such an attitude of not declaring fair judgment on or rebuking evil is precisely what Jesus condemned.

Second, the mistake of not daring or being unwilling to make judgments. The reluctance of the Pharisees, etc., to make fair or correct judgments may, to some extent, develop from the mindset of “less judgment, fewer mistakes, fewer enemies.” This refusal to seek God’s judgment dominated them; any judgment that might threaten their interests was better left unmade. When believers encounter injustice, do we also lack the courage to or refuse to make sound judgments and take appropriate actions, leading to the Lord’s rebuke? timidity prevents us from taking related actions,

Third, knowing justice but not doing it. Jesus rebuked the wickedness of knowing justice and being capable of practicing it, yet unwilling to do so. As believers know about the Lord, the more we should understand His judgment, and Jesus’ demands on us will likewise increase. When we know the Lord Jesus’ judgments, we need to pray further for God to show us what to do and to grant us the strength to act fairly and rightly according to His judgment. This is because Jesus’ justice, fairness, and sound judgments need to be manifested in our lives as we know His teachings. Note that if readers are capable of practicing His Word mentioned over the past 270+ days but have not done so accordingly, they will likely be convicted by Him. If this applies to you, please repent promptly and practice His justice wholeheartedly.

Reflection questions:

1) Are you a person who values justice and correct teachings? Why?

2) From the past till now, do you feel that Jesus is demanding more and more from you, as you grow spiritually? If so, how do you respond to Him?