God is Clear About This

For Wednesday, July 27

God is Clear About This

2 Chronicles 19-20:37; Romans 10:14-11:12; Psalm 21:1-13; Proverbs 20:4-6 (click to read)

(2 Chronicles 19) 5 He assigned judges to each of the fortified cities in Judah 6 and told them: Be careful when you make your decisions in court, because these are the LORD's people, and he will know what you decide. 7 So do your work in honor of him and know that he won't allow you to be unfair to anyone or to take bribes.

Passages like this show me two important things. 1 - That God has always been instructing that all people should be treated justly and in fairness. And - 2 - That the unjustness and unfairness we see today are in no way God's fault or will, but clear evidence of the "sinfulness" of humanity. It doesn't take much to see unfair decisions that do permanent damage to people. It's so easy to see power and self-interest bribe, steal, cheat, - or just change the rules to the way they want them because they can. I read such a story yesterday. But even in the "barbaric" Old Testament days, the knowledge that God desires justice, fair treatment of each person and service to the good of others was clear. I want to see this operating completely in my time, in my society. And I want to be a person who treats all others this way. Since I am not all Jesus wants me to be yet, I must work at this and learn where I am wrong. But it is my desire and with the Lord's help, I will.

Lord - I pray for Your Action, for Your People's Action, to correct the many unjust events of Power and Money. I pray that You will show me where I contribute to this loss of justice - either in my own actions and attitudes or in my associations. And will You show me the actions You want me to take so I can be part of Your Will and Way for my time.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)