Six Weeks of Prayer: Friday, October 20, 2017

The Christian faith calls a thing what it is. And often, determining what is good and what is evil is not as hard as we think. We know what is good because “he has told you.” The problem comes when our own hearts begin to cloud the word of God. We look for loopholes or worse yet, we find a bit of Scripture to defend our position, setting it against the vast witness of the Bible.

It is easy for us to pray, “Lord let there be justice, but if there be injustice, let it be in my favor!” We like justice when it works for us, but we know that if justice were to be served, who could stand? To do justice here is not going around and making sure everyone gets what they deserve (God will sort that out), but by showing mercy. This is what the gospel is all about.

Jesus, in the name of justice, could have said, “they don’t deserve salvation,” remained in heaven, and left us to our rightful punishment. Instead, he took upon himself what justice demanded by dying for us, showing us mercy. May we understand justice through the lens of the cross of Christ.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

---

PRAYER

Almighty God:  Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may use our freedom, in the maintenance of justice, by showing mercy to others, especially those who do not deserve it. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.