Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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True Faith Shown by Justice”

Bible Reading:   Jeremiah 7:1-7

Key verse: v5b "...deal with each other justly,"

DEVOTION

1. Are Faith and Justice Intertwined?
Yes, we are taught in the Bible that faith and justice are intertwined, and justice is fundamental in the sight of God. The Psalmist in Psalm 89:14 tells us, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne." If justice is among the foundations of our God's throne, then God expects His children to be just in their ways—both toward Him and among themselves. Here, God is not referring to the legal justice of the world that humans created, but rather to divine traits of fairness in dealing with one another: compassion, righteousness (especially towards the foreign, weak, and oppressed), and protecting the innocent. Faith in God leads to an earnest desire for practicing justice.
When our conscience— enabled by the Holy Spirit— tells us we were not just, that means we have lost harmony with God the Father. A breach of faith, trust, and justice happened in Eden by our first parents; one that did not bode well for them and their future generations. They were punished, evicted from Eden, and found unworthy for the company and harmony with God.
God values our rituals when they reflect righteousness. The Lord's temple, when filled with righteous hearts looking up to Him in faith and obedience is what makes it valuable—otherwise, it's merely a building which is not invincible and does not bring well-being. This is exactly what the prophet Jeremiah is telling us in verse 4: "Do not trust in these deceptive words: 'This is the temple of the Lord...'" Sunday attendance at the Lord's temple will only be a mere ritual if our hearts and minds are not truthful, just, and faithful.
2. Are Truth and Justice Intertwined?
Yes, only with truthfulness can one be just. Jeremiah 5:1 teaches that seeking to act justly and seeking truth go hand-in-hand. True faith requires practicing the foundational elements of justice and fairness in our walk with God and in our dealings with fellow beings.
3. Why Should We Act Justly?
The simple reason is that there is a recipient—a fellow creation—that receives our act of justice. We shall faithfully serve justice with righteousness, fairness, and impartiality. We need to be watchful that justice does not turn into injustice. When the traits of righteousness, fairness, and impartiality decrease, then justice morphs into injustice.
The theme of justice is constantly reminded in the Bible, and one of the most beautiful verses in Scripture is found in Micah 6:8, where God clearly sets His expectation for you and me: "To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." When we follow this, we can expect what Jeremiah tells us in 7:7 "Then I will dwell with you in the place..." Our temples become the presence of God with a throne of grace for us to run to.
Ultimately, true faith is essential to becoming a genuine conduit of justice. 

 

PRAYER

 Heavenly Father, we seek Your grace and mercy to help us remain faithful in this world, amidst all the sinfulness that seeks to lead us astray. Cleanse us from the impurities of this world, and keep us sanctified for Your Kingdom. Amen.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

: Are we mere temple attendees without true faith and justice?


Monish K. John
The Chicago Mar Thoma Church, Illinois

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