Mar 10 (Daily reading: Numbers 35-36) Many times, we hear victims of a crime, or their families, say, “We just want justice!” God gave Moses laws by which His people would live in the new land, and many of them were related to justice. He made a distinction between murder and accidental death. He set up cities where people could take refuge while waiting for justice to be done. He spoke of the importance of witnesses, not just one, but two or more. He made sure that in a system where sons would inherit, the rights of daughters who were the only children would be protected.
Isaiah wrote prophetically about Jesus: “He will faithfully bring forth justice” (42:3). Jesus went beyond the justice of the Law; He dealt with justice coming from the heart. He condemned the hypocrisy of the Pharisees because they observed the details of the law but neglected “justice and mercy and faithfulness” (Mt. 23:23). To cite just one example from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also” (Mt. 5:38-39). Some say they are seeking justice when in reality they want vengeance. God established that “Vengeance is Mine” (Deut. 32:35). We can trust God to have the final word!
“For the LORD loves justice and does not forsake His godly ones” (Ps. 37:28).
– Al Gary
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