"LET JUSTICE ROLL ON..."

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! –Amos 5:24 (NIV)
 
      If you listened to the video I posted last Friday on our district Facebook page, you probably don’t need to keep reading because this article is, by an large, repeats what I said in that video.  I just wanted to communicate on as many platforms as possible that the people of God absolutely must be serious about living, promoting, and insisting on justice in our fallen and broken world. 
 
      The name of George Floyd and the phrase, “I can’t breathe” are ringing in our ears, reminding us yet again that the sin of racism is alive and well.  The streets of Minneapolis have erupted, filling with protesters demanding justice. Don’t get sidetracked by the fact that a relatively small number of people have used this as an excuse to loot and destroy property—the fact is that the vast majority of protestors are motivated to peacefully seek justice.
      Justice… It’s a word that has been used often of late, and not just in reference to George Floyd, who is merely the most recent in a long string of those who have been victims of the sin of racism.
      Hearing this word repeated and seeing it in print over and over in recent days has driven me to the scriptures to wrestle with the concept of justice. The word is used 134 times in scripture so apparently, justice is a big deal to God.  It’s not just something that is important to Him, it’s one of the words that we use to describe his character; it’s one of his attributes.  Justice is not just something God does, it is an integral part of who he is.  He can’t not be just.
      So, what does it mean when we say that God is just? His justice means that he can’t do or cause anything that is unfair.  When it comes to justice, the key word is “fair.” You’ve probably heard the phrase, “the ground is level at the foot of the cross.” It means that God doesn’t grade on a curve based on heritage, pedigree or appearance. God is fair and impartial and we all stand equally in need of his grace.
      So let me make three applications:

• Racism is a sin because it’s not fair to make judgements and show partiality on the basis of skin color.  It’s unjust.  It’s simply not fair.
• We are called to be like our heavenly Father.  Paul said it clearly in Ephesians 5:1, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.” In part, that means that we are called to be people who live and champion justice. 

• Third application: If we promote or even tolerate injustice, we are not imitating our heavenly Father and we are not practicing biblical Christianity.  Remember how Jesus chastised the teachers of the law in Matthew 23:23?  “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness.” In other words, “you go through the motions of religion and do your religious duty, but you ignore the inner character qualities that really matter to God. 

      So, are you tired yet of living in a world where injustice is tolerated?  Are you angry enough to start speaking out when you see injustice?  Are you motivated yet to get serious about racial reconciliation, even by doing something as simple as initiating a friendship with a person who is a different color than you?  Are you ready to get serious about imitating your heavenly Father who, in the words of Samuel, looks past the outward appearance and looks on the heart? 
      May the words of the prophet Amos come true in our generation, “Let justice roll on like a river!” 
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