Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Lord's Justice

Sunitha Abraham
St. Johns MTC, NY


3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

This portion is significant because it foretells Jesus’ coming to bring Justice, but not as a king with pomp and circumstance, instead as a Servant of the Lord.   In the above verses we read that the Servant of Lord has a forgiving, compassionate and a healing attitude.
 
When we are faced with situations where we are wronged and hurt, our justice is to quickly judge and punish.  This may be done with harsh words, silent treatment or even by gossip.  Even in other people’s matters we often hold ourselves in a position as judge, jury and prosecutor to dole out justice.
 
Our view of Justice is very different from Christ’s view.  In verse 3 it says the Servant of the Lord brings forth justice, without breaking a bruised reed, or extinguishing a dimly burning wick.  Justice is often seen as punishment for a wrong done, but the Justice brought forth by God comes from a change of heart. Isaiah talks of Jesus as someone who understands our limitations and flaws.   Often times, it is in our most sinful/broken moments that we are the weakest and requiring of God’s grace and mercy.  Although in our society when someone has done wrong, most of the time we are faced with judgment rather than grace.  The question we need to ask is “WWJD” (What Would Jesus Do)?  If we look at the story of the Pharisees ready to condemn the prostitute, we realize that Jesus brought about Justice not by condemning either party for their sin, but by bringing forth conviction of wrong doing.  True change and justice only comes forth through a change of heart.

PRAYER
Lord help us to reflect your grace and mercy, and bring healing within our relationships. Amen. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice”
-Abraham Lincoln

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