We cry for justice, not realizing it is mercy we need. Humanity condemned Christ as He poured out mercy upon us. We fail to realize that justice in this broken world is a concept beyond our grasp. There are so many variables, so many perspectives that different people define “justice” in completely opposite ways. Our viewpoints are obscured by our own biases, but God sees perfectly. Jesus is the only answer to justice–that will give us life. Learning to respond with the same quiet confidence Jesus had in the face of injustice is lofty, lifetime ambition. Here is Isaiah’s description of how Jesus dealt with unjust condemnation:
He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. Isaiah 53:7-8
Isaiah reveals that:
- Silence was the Savior’s response to being oppressed – driven, tyrannized – and brow-beaten.
- The divine reaction to wrong was continued focus on His purpose for coming. Jesus trusted God to produce the BEST outcome.
- Death did not deter the Savior from following the Father’s plan.
- No one really seemed to care what Jesus had done. Despite His sacrifice for the sins of others…for the loved ones of others, most just went on about their business.
Make it personal:
Have there been times you overlooked what God has done/does for you?
What have you been willing to sacrifice for another?
How did they respond to your generosity – did their attitude change what you were willing to do/give?
How can focusing on God’s will for your life help you face injustice?
What action steps might you take while you wait on the Lord for justice?
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