Justice: Standing in the Gap Sample

Servants of a Just God

Imagine a world where people care for those who are poor or imprisoned and comfort those in pain or grief. That kind of world is not a product of wishful thinking but a reality that Jesus offers us a glimpse of right now.

As Jesus begins his ministry, he announces that he is on a mission to bring God’s justice to the world. This mission includes caring for the poor, healing the blind, and freeing the imprisoned and oppressed (Luke 4:16-19; Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus displays God’s justice as he liberates people from oppression (Luke 4:31-41), heals blind men (Matthew 9:27-31), and crosses social boundaries to show impartial love (John 4:7-38).

Jesus invites us to be attentive to those whom society deems disposable and those left to fend for themselves. Think about the innocent victim of a wrongful conviction, or the person who’s spent decades behind bars regretting a foolish crime from their youth, or the teen parent who’s struggling to make it through school after being kicked out of their home.

In the Bible, God consistently leads people to advocate for those being harmed by individuals or by dehumanizing ways of life that societies call normal or necessary. By choosing to bless and benefit others in need, we demonstrate the lovingkindness and justice of God’s kingdom to the world around us.

Reflection:

How is the portrait of God’s justice in Isaiah 61:1-3 similar to or different from your understanding of justice?

How might you follow the example of Jesus and embrace God’s way of living justly within your own community?