Read the Book: Summer Bible Planনমুনা

PSALM 82 - WHERE IS JUSTICE? An observation that believers and unbelievers can both agree on is that there is much injustice in this world. The headlines scroll endlessly with accounts of injustice in its varied forms: racial injustice, economic injustice, political injustice, educational injustice... it seems like it never ends. Sadly, injustice is an ancient problem that finds its roots in our earthly ancestors within a God-made paradise. It is there that the venom of pride, malice, and injustice were born. It’s often easy to go from observing injustice to asking why God seems to let much of it go unaddressed. There are many ways we can respond to that important question, but Psalm 82 provides a glimpse into God’s response toward injustice. First, remember that justice delayed is not justice denied. The psalmist proclaims that God is in His rightful place as judge (vs 1 and 2) and that His judgments will be final (vs 8). The timing and the carrying out of God’s judgment may occur on this side of heaven, but most definitely on His side of heaven. Secondly, one of the roles of God’s people is to be agents of God’s justice and mercy toward others. We are to be the conscience to our world about the needs of the weak, the fatherless, the afflicted, and the destitute. So rather than asking, “Where is God when people are unjustly oppressed?” maybe a better question is, “How are we, as the courageous and merciful church of Jesus Christ, leaning into the injustice around us?” Father God, I believe justice and mercy collided at the cross of your Son, so please help me now to be an agent of mercy and reconciliation. Amen. Family Connection: Our God is both just and merciful. This week ask your family: “What are ways you can show kindness towards others even when they are not being kind to us?”