04 Mar 2007 - Isaiah 59:15b-17

Monday, March 5, 2007

Thank you Lord for the gift of this day and your love today.

Scripture for today: Isaiah 59:15b-17

How do you feel when you observe injustice in your world?
Why do we often hesitate to stand up against injustice?

Our God is a just God and because we are made in His image we also want
justice. But, unlike us, God desires justice for all people. If we are
honest we must admit we are most concerned about getting justice for
ourselves and the ones we love. We do not have enough strength, energy
or wisdom to pursue universal justice. So we are usually satisfied when
we feel we are being treated justly and are often willing to turn a
blind eye to other injustices in our purview. In today's text we hear
that God is appalled when no one steps forward to fight for justice. But
praise God, He doesn't fuss and fume, He takes the responsibility of the
battle for justice onto Himself - "So His arm worked salvation for Him".
The salvation that this passage speaks of is more than what New
Testament believers think of when we think of salvation. It points not
just to the forgiveness of sins but also to making things right in human
relationships and in our community. This salvation is not an
instantaneous event, but a long battle that takes place in the daily
affairs of mankind. Jesus took this struggle for justice on His
shoulders in His life and won the decisive battle on the cross and in
the resurrection. Thank you Lord. But while the decisive battle has been
won, the war rages on and Jesus' followers are called to be agents of
His loving justice in our daily lives. If you take up the battle for
justice today do not try to fight in your own strength, but be sure to
call on the risen Lord Jesus to give you wisdom and strength.
Thank you Lord for leading the battle for justice. Give me strength to
join you in that struggle today. Amen.

Pastor Dean Honnette, Hope Center Covenant Church