Psalm 140:12 asserts that, 'I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.' But the question that God’s people need to ask themselves is, “How does He do that?”
The simple yet profound answer is that God secures justice for the poor through the compassionate obedience of His people. That’s why it was so important for Israel to be just and impartial. It was through them that God would take care of the poor and needy. That's quite a tall order for we who follow it n the footsteps of Jesus.
But what does God’s impartiality look like?
Take parenting children in different stages of life. It can be difficult because a child sees justice in black-and-white terms. If a seven-year-old gets a certain consequence for disobeying her parent, she will consider it an injustice particularly if her three-year-old brother gets away with the same action. She needs a bigger perspective to realise that her parents know what they are doing, and the immediate situation does not reflect the long-term reality.
In the same way, we need to keep a bigger perspective when we imagine that God is silently watching injustices take place.
God, you have given all peoples on common origin.
It is your will that they be gathered together
as one family in yourself.
Fill the hearts of humankind with the fire of your love
and with the desire to ensure justice for all.
By sharing the good things you give us,
may we secure an equality for all
our brothers and sisters throughout the world.
May there be an end to division, strife, and war.
May there be a dawning of a truly human society
built on love and peace.
We ask this in your name. Amen
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