Weightier Matters I: Justice

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.”- Jesus Christ
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Hello, I hope you had a good weekend? Today, let us look at today’s subject on Justice. This word denotes fairness, rightness, non-partisan and a just cause.

The background of this story has to do with Jesus teaching his disciples and the multitudes about the hypocritical attitude of the Pharisees and scribes. They were religious leaders who taught the scriptures in the synagogue. Jesus actually commended them for tithing, which is dedicating a tenth of your possessions to the needs of the synagogue. Then he chided them for omitting weightier matters. In other words, giving in the temple is noble, but it is more important or heavier to focus on justice, mercy and faithfulness.

I want to look at the Bible’s depiction of justice from the book of Isaiah and deduce just a few points for our understanding.

1. The absence of justice brings oppression

“…He looked for justice, but behold, oppression…” Isaiah‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭

The Hebrew word for the meaning of oppression here is bloodshed. When fairness and equity isn’t the order of the day, you will see an oppressed society. An oppressor is a dangerous entity. He is one step away from murder- bloodshed. The oppressor bows down to justice. That is his Achilles’ heel.

2. The absence of justice promotes crook handedness

“…And there is no justice in their ways; They have made themselves crooked paths…” Isaiah‬ ‭59:8‬ ‭

People who are crooked promote lawlessness. What is up is down; down, up! It is a society where bribery, corruption and partisan politics become the order of the day. Where crookedness reigns, is a lack of peace. Another definition of crooked is to distort or twist. Crookedness and lies are bedfellows. It is difficult to establish the truth in such a climate.

3. Justice promotes deliverance, safety and rightness

“Thus says the LORD: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, For My salvation is about to come, And My righteousness to be revealed.” Isaiah‬ ‭56:1‬ ‭

The word salvation in this text means deliverance, safety. The word righteousness means rightness. Rightness denotes one who is upright and fair. Where justice is present, the captives and the oppressed experience deliverance. There is also safety and security; people are comfortable knowing the law works- not only on one side, but for all. Orderliness is promoted. Corruption is airtight in such a space. One of the enemies of a democratic society is nepotism. Everyone deserves to be treated rightly, equally and fairly.

So you may ask, how does justice become prevalent? Accepting a personal responsibility to be just and a corporate responsibility as well, like the government. That is why it is important to vote. Righteous leaders promote justice which will make it easier to operate your personal principles of justice. A citizen is not higher than the government of his country, so when there are two conflicting values, guess what? The government will win!

I pray today you have learnt something valuable that will stay with you.

I dedicate today’s post to victims of injustice suffering in whatever shape, sphere or form. It is very likely that in your lifetime on this earth, justice could be an illusion. But the God I serve is a God of Justice and will grant you your heart desire. Faint not!

“The Lord set up his throne to bring justice, and he will rule forever. He judges everyone on earth fairly. He judges all nations honestly. Many people are suffering— crushed by the weight of their troubles. But the Lord is a refuge for them, a safe place they can run to. Lord, those who know your name come to you for protection. And when they come, you do not leave them without help.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭9:7-10‬ ‭

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Till I come your way again…

Peace & Love