We all cry out for justice in many forms, and the hot topic of the day is certainly no exception. But we must be careful not to demand justice before we really understand what that means. Justice is part of God’s character, and we read in scripture that he loves justice. God is just, and therefore equal in mercy and in executing punishment on wrongdoing. The problem is that we are all guilty before Him. We’re ALL guilty of committing injustices ourselves. So if we GOT justice, true justice, we’d all be done. We’d get the just reward that is due to us – God’s judgment and wrath on our sin.
I believe the problems dividing our nation would be solved if every individual looked inward. The hate, the anger, the violence, all over “social justice” would all cease. By looking deep inside OUR OWN hearts, it would reveal imperfection, and guilt of the very things we are fighting against in this world. It’s all there, and lies within the human heart – inside each and every single one of us. I see my own shortcomings. I see the deceit of my own heart that is desperately sick and incurable (Jeremiah 17:9), when I am honest. The result of this searching of the heart and humble introspect would mean we could no longer only point the finger at others. We would have to also point it at ourselves. By this act, we are entering into a totally new space. Do we dare incriminate ourselves? Do we expose our own hearts for what lies within, condemning ourselves for the very same injustices we are fighting to correct? No one would want to. There is no one perfect. But we don’t need to be condemned by the realty that we’re all contributors.
Jesus said he did not come to condemn the world, but to save the world. God’s righteous requirement was satisfied at the cross. His judgment was put upon His Son and JUSTICE WAS SERVED. Your shortcomings, my shortcomings, our own acts of injustice, the deceit of the heart, all paid for. In FULL. God is a God of justice. But thankfully He is also a God of MERCY, which was offered for YOU and for ME at the cross of Jesus Christ. There is forgiveness found in Him for all who would seek it. By this truth, I am set free! I want to sing it from the mountain tops and share it with the world! I long to be like David, a man after God’s own heart. He admitted sin, and sought the mercy of God through repentance. He wrote:
Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me.
Against You, You only, have I sinned,
And done this evil in Your sight—
That You may be found just when You speak,
And blameless when You judge. Psalm 51:1-4 NKJV
Would you join me today in searching our OWN hearts? Would you learn with me how to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly?
He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 NKJV
As we cry out for justice, could we first walk hand in hand to the cross of Jesus to seek mercy for ourselves, for our wrongdoings? Perhaps it is there that we will find forgiveness, love, and mercy for one another too.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy (Matthew 5:7).
-Jamie
For a look back on a past Hidden in My Heart Post titled Mercy, click here! It was one of my first posts and so powerfully speaks to God’s mercy.
Click here to visit other HIDDEN IN MY HEART posts.
