God of Justice
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 42:1-9
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.
God takes justice very seriously. Through Isaiah, God declares that the Messiah’s purpose on earth is to establish justice—and he will not give up until that work is complete.
We know today that the Messiah described here is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came to conquer the power of sin in this world (see John 1-10). He came to bring forgiveness of sins and new life. He came so that we could receive his righteousness and live by it. In following Christ, we are agents of God’s mission in this world.
Our part in God’s mission includes leading people to salvation in Jesus, feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, visiting the sick, and encouraging the discouraged. This has historically been the ministry of the church. God brings justice; we point people to the One whom God sent to establish it. In following Christ’s example, we help reveal to the world what Christ came to do as the fulfillment of God’s promise.
There is no shortage of needs in the world. It can be discouraging and overwhelming to consider how much injustice seems to prevail. Yet we cannot let that stop us from taking steps today to join in God’s mission. Let’s not grow impatient either. God isn’t finished yet. In the meantime, we can be involved in a small part of what God has promised, and he will do it. We put our hope in him.
Father, in your plan to bring justice, we thank you for sending your Son. In our work for your justice in this world, give us wisdom and insight. Amen.
About the author — Lloyd Wicker
Lloyd Wicker has been a pastor for more than eighteen years and has served churches in Illinois, Washington, and California. He currently serves as a chaplain with the United States Navy in Sicily. Lloyd and his wife, Heidi, have three children.
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