Love And JusticeSample

Our journey through the pages of Scripture exploring its teaching on justice has shown that justice is far more that a retributive posture towards the wrongdoer, but actually envisions a positive vision for all of creation. This vision for justice, for shalom, is woven into the very structure of creation and God’s intention for his creation, and is thus not an afterthought in the pages of Scripture. As humanity strays from God’s good intention for the flourishing of all of creation, he send prophets, poets and storytellers to prompt the imaginations and prick the consciences of the hearers. God is relentless and creative in his calling humanity back to engage in the work of shalom, of restorative justice. Thus is the vision of the Old Testament.

The story in no way ends there but moves towards a conclusion in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Often, our consideration of the work of Jesus is limited to his death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. His virgin birth, atoning death and victorious resurrection are crucial elements to the Christian faith. Consider the Apostles’ Creed: Jesus Christ… “Born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again from the dead…” As a young Christian, I always wondered about what was missing in that creed about the life of Jesus. After all, the four gospels we have in the Scripture give us much more detail between the birth of Jesus and his trial, death and resurrection. Thankfully, I discovered New Testament scholars such as Herman Ridderbos and N.T. Wright who give attention to the understated importance of the life of Jesus.

PRAYER: Lord, I hear and respond to Your call to return to shalom and justice.