Justice: Standing in the Gap Sýnishorn

Injustice Flooding Our Streets

Have you ever wanted to ask a person in authority to help resolve an issue but knew your request wouldn’t be heard? Like asking a boss for more compensation for being overworked or writing a local political representative to help solve a housing or drug crisis in your city. Some of us may feel like it’s pointless to appeal to those in power because of their apparent lack of interest in true justice.

Jesus teaches that, unlike human authorities, God will not fail to execute justice in the ultimate sense (Luke 18:7). He hears the cries of his people and promises to act on their behalf. He responded to the blood of Abel (Genesis 4:10) and the enslaved Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 3:7). We can be confident that our cries about violence and oppression — whether global, national, or local — will not ultimately be ignored. Even if human authorities refuse to listen, God hears us. And while his restoration and justice may take much longer than we would assume or prefer, he promises that his justice will eventually fill our world.

Therefore, it’s important to recognize our responsibility to respond to those in our own lives who are crying out for justice. God almost always carries out his justice through people who choose to live with his wisdom. By tuning our ears to the outcries around us, we can step in and advocate for those who are overlooked, threatened or harmed.

Reflection:

What are some global, national or local injustices that you have observed? Take some time to cry out to God to bring his justice in those areas.

Where might God be inviting you to step in and contribute to bringing about justice in a particular situation?