Play-by-Play: John (3/3)Намуна

God’s Justice

As I write this, our country has been hammered with college and professional athletes leading boycotts and promoting conversations about social injustice. Not all the specific incidents are the same. While some might protest displaying the Confederate battle emblem on a flag, others might be protesting police brutality incidents.

There is undoubtedly room for fair-minded discussion on these incidents. Still, our culture has become so divided politically and morally that we are left with confusion about what justice means. Even within the church, we might be using the same vocabulary but very different dictionaries. We must define words with the proper biblical worldview, or we have no chance of understanding what is meant by justice and injustice. An excellent place to begin is Leviticus 19:15, “You shall do no injustice in judgment, you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you should judge your neighbor fairly.”

Nothing compares to the injustice Jesus faced in John 18. Shortly after His prayer, Jesus endured the worst injustice anyone can experience. No one was ever more innocent than Him. Can you imagine how He must have felt enduring injustice alone and unnoticed? Our society is polluted with sin that leads to a selfish pursuit of justice. Outrage requires satisfaction and bitterness demands revenge. Does that sound like what you see in the media today?

Jesus didn’t promise to take us out of the world, but that we would be preserved through the persecutions (17:15). The agony we suffer now will not be in vain. He has promised glory on the other side. Doing justice God’s way involves loving mercy and walking humbly with God. These are the duties of every Christian. The fruit of the Spirit, the qualities named in the Beatitudes, and the characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13 should be true of every believer.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete are strengthened when they reflect on how Jesus conducted Himself during the final days on earth. They trust Him to one day restore justice!

H.E.A.R.

As you read today’s chapter, journal using the H.E.A.R method:

H (Highlight) - What stands out to you? If something stands out to you, it’s likely God pulling you toward a certain portion of scripture.

E (Explain) - Describe in context the text. Ask questions like: Why was this written? To whom was it originally written? How does this fit with the verses before and after? Why did the Holy Spirit include this passage in the book?

A (Apply) - How do you take this verse beyond the page? Ask questions like: How can this help me? What does this mean today? What would the application of this verse look like in my life? What is God saying to me?

R (Respond) - This is where you will write a measurable response to the truth God revealed. Maybe it will be a call to action, something you will change in the coming week. Maybe it will be a prayer asking God to help you work this truth into your life. Whichever, make sure it is measurable so you can hold yourself accountable in your growth as a disciple.