Jesus, Civil Rights, Justice, Righteousness

I had a discussion lately with someone regarding the Civil Rights movement. The discussion revolved around whether the Civil Rights movement was just a good thing or a movement of the rule and reign of God. The next morning after the discussion I read the first chapter of Isaiah (give it a read if you have a chance). I saw a glimpse of how often God is ticked at the Israelites for not promoting two key biblical concepts—justice and righteousness.

At Sanctuary we have talked about the two as follows:
Biblical justice is not just giving people what they deserve. It’s giving people what they need.

Biblical righteousness is not just right action, but right relationship with God and others (The concept of shalom springs from both of these concepts as well).

Then I did a quick search of how often the two concepts are linked together, and was blown away at how these two words are uniquely tied to God’s actions with and through God’s people. Then I looked at Jesus’ actions through the two lenses of justice and righteousness. Everything Jesus did was to bring righteousness (right-relationship with God and others) and justice (what people need), and all of the above gave me a renewed vision of us as Kingdom people. We are called to be people of justice and righteousness. We are called to be a church where people are finding right relationships with God and others, AND we are called to help provide people what they need. 

Have you ever thought about the importance of righteousness and justice in relationship to your faith?

BTW: here’s a quick glance at the pairing of the words through some of the Old Testament…

Ge 18:19 

No, for I have chosen him, that he may charge his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice; so that the Lord may bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."

2Ch 9:8 

Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on his throne as king for the Lord your God. Because your God lovedand would establish them forever, he has made you king over them, that you may execute justice and righteousness."

Job 29:14 

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a robe and a turban.

Job 37:23 

The Almighty we cannot find him; he is great in power and justice, and abundant righteousness he will not violate.

Ps 33:5 

He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.

Ps 72:1 

Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son.

Ps 72:2 

May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.

Ps 89:14 

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.

Ps 97:2 

Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

Ps 99:4 

Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.

Ps 106:3

Happy are those who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times.

Pr 1:3 

for gaining instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity;

Pr 2:9 

Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;

Pr 8:20 

I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

Pr 21:3 

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Ec 3:16 

Moreover I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, wickedness was there, and in the place of righteousness, wickedness was there as well.

Isa 1:27 

Zion shall be redeemed by justice, and those in her who repent, by righteousness.

 

Comments

[Bernie]

Brad...This post is the best summary of the entire Bible, and what it means to be a Christian, I've ever seen!

[Linda]

Brad,
Do you distinguish between justice and mercy? I definitely think it is merciful to give people what they need? But is this also justice if the person hasn't earned or does not deserve what he or she is given? Also, do you have a good definition for "grace?" Thanks.

[Linda]

Amos 5:24 (New International Version)

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!