JUSTICE – OR – JUST-US?

‘It’s Not Fair!’

“You trample on the poor” – Amos, for starters, declares. “and force him to give you grain. Therefore though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine.” (Amos 5:11)

It is in losing our lives that we find our lives (Matthew 16:24-28).

It is in acting justly (Micah 6:8) fairly – compassionately -- to quote Micah in Micah 6:8 – that life blossoms and is fulfilled.

Open Doors, Opportunities For Others

Why in our Micah text, Israel declares: yes Lord, we know we’re been unjust, uncompassionate. But here, you fix things; here, take a few more offerings: a thousand rams – ten thousand rivers of oil (Micah 6:7).

But God says no. Sure, I’ll do my part, but you must do your part

And what is your part? Israel, it’s “to act justly…love mercy and walk humbly with…God…” (Micah 6:8).

In a word: it’s obedience. For I Samuel 15:22 is right: it is better to obey – than to sacrifice, even to God.

Startle Folks With Grace, With Forgiveness, Even When Wronged

“Do not say, I’ll pay you back for this wrong! Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.” (Proverbs 20:22)

“The Lord…the compassionate and gracious God [is] slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. (Exodus

34:6-7).

“1 John 1:9 says that God forgives…because He is ‘just.’…In religion we earn…forgiveness…but in the gospel we just receive it [because God is fair and gracious]” – Tim Keller

Multiply God’s Fairness and Kindness In All Facets Of Life

“…justice [is] to roll on like a river, [and God’s] righteousness like a never-failing stream…” (Amos 5:24)

Let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness as a never-failing stream