Justice can take time. God is just.

Biblical justice is a foundational principle woven throughout the pages of Scripture, reflecting the character of God Himself. Justice, in the biblical context, goes beyond mere legal or social equality; it embodies fairness, righteousness, and the restoration of what is right in the sight of God. Understanding biblical justice requires a deep exploration of God’s character and His dealings with humanity.

Scripture reveals that God is inherently just.

In Deuteronomy 32:4, it states,

"He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he." 

This verse underscores God’s righteousness and fairness in all His actions.

Key Takeaways:

1. God’s Perfect Character: God’s justice stems from His perfect character. His ways are always fair and right.
2. Faithful and Just: God’s justice is inseparable from His faithfulness. He is consistent and reliable in upholding what is right.
3. No Injustice in God: Unlike human systems that may falter, God never errs in His judgments. He is wholly just, without any wrongdoing.

Application:

In our lives, we are called to emulate God’s justice. This means acting with fairness and righteousness in our dealings with others, seeking to uphold what is right in every situation. We can pray for God’s guidance and wisdom to discern how to pursue justice in our communities and advocate for those who are marginalized or oppressed, just as God does. Additionally, we can trust in God’s ultimate justice, knowing that He will one day make all things right according to His perfect plan.

Justice can take time

While we may long for immediate justice in the face of wrongdoing, both Scripture and our own experiences often reveal that justice can take time to unfold in this earthly realm. However, from an eternal perspective, we can take solace in the assurance that ultimate justice will be served.

One reason justice may seem delayed is because God operates outside of time and sees the entirety of human history from beginning to end. In 2 Peter 3:8-9, it says,

"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 

This passage reminds us that God’s timing is not bound by our human understanding, and His patience allows for the opportunity for repentance and redemption.

Additionally, justice on earth is often hindered by human limitations, such as corruption, bias, and incomplete understanding of the truth. Ecclesiastes 8:11 observes,

“When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong.”

However, despite these obstacles, God remains sovereign over all and will ultimately bring every deed to light.

From an eternal perspective, we find comfort in knowing that God promises final judgment and ultimate justice. In Revelation 20:12-13, it describes a scene where

"the dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books... each person was judged according to what they had done." 

This passage assures us that every action, whether good or evil, will be brought into account before God’s throne.

Key Takeaways:

1. God’s Eternal Perspective: God sees all of human history and operates beyond the constraints of time.
2. Human Limitations: Earthly justice can be delayed or obstructed by human flaws and limitations.
3. Assurance of Final Judgment: God promises a day of reckoning where justice will be fully served, according to His perfect standard.

Application:

As we navigate a world where justice may seem slow or elusive, we can trust in God’s ultimate plan and commit ourselves to pursuing justice in our own spheres of influence. We can advocate for righteousness, stand against injustice, and extend grace and mercy as we await the fulfillment of God’s promise of final justice.

Topic: WHEELS OF JUSTICE

Verse: Revelation 20:10 (NIV)

And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Today’s devotional kicks off speaking of the US constitution pointing to the Sixth Amendment and how it “guarantees that ‘the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial.” Ever seen or been a part of a legal proceeding and come to realize that they might be able to get started quickly but that it can last for months and in some cases even years or longer based on things like appeals? Today’s devotional speaks to how “when a trial is finally ended, those seeking justice rejoice with a sense of relief.”

Now let’s consider what the Bible has to say and what today’s devotional brings to the forefront. It speaks to the words from Luke 15:7 (NIV) that says:

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Today’s verse points us to how there will also “be rejoicing when justice is finally applied to Satan and he is confined to ‘lake of burning sulfur…forever and ever.'” Today’s devotional goes on to say how “Satan’s crimes and character will be laid bare before the bar of God’s justice at the end of the coming Millennium, and he will be consigned to an eternal prison from which there is no escape.”

Today’s devotional reminds us how God’s desire is that non would perish but that all will repent and turn to God and hence His justice may seem slow to us compared to what we would like. We are reminded that we don’t have to worry or stress about it because in due time, all injustice will be set right!

“God is not always a God of immediate justice, but he is a God of ultimate justice.”

JOHN BLANCHARD