Justice and the Prophets
God Promises a Just Kingdom
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)
God's Just Servant
Hebrews 11:29-35 New International Version
29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.
31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.[ a]
32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon,Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.
For Reflection
What are we to learn from these passages? Perhaps it is the story of the persistent progress toward realizing the Kingdom of God.
Through God's faithful people, the growth toward the realization of the Kingdom of God is driven by faith. It is a messy process. Not all of the faithful were convinced that waters could part, that marching around Jericho could bring the walls to rubble. Yet, God's promises were fulfilled.
In modern times we have seen the just prevail in two world wars. We have experienced our fumbling attempts at just self-government struggle. Now, facing a worldwide viral attack, we should begin to realize that God's gifts of brilliant scientists, wise leaders, and compassionate people who are willing to risk their lives for others have had counterparts in Moses, Joshua, and yes, even Rehab.
Over 2000 years have passed since the Christ event. Over those years, God has been revealing the mysteries of Creation and prepared us to meet the suffering of our current human condition. After this world crisis has passed, as humans mature, God will continue to protect, comfort and encourage the goodness that lies within our completeness. God is not finished in God's pursuit of human perfection. While we find it difficult to trust ourselves, God entrusts us with the stewardship of Creation. We will meet that task eventually because God wills it.
Though it may appear so, it is not we that will solve the problems of our times, but God, working through us (whether we acknowledge it or not), revealing the secrets of Creation, and empowering us to act courageously and justly.
Pray
Pray prayers of praise and thanksgiving for the love God has shown to us. Give thanks to the God of Love for all those that sacrifice themselves for the common good.
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