Justice, Mercy, and the Call of God's Kingdom
By Dean Collins
According to 2 Samuel, King David administered justice and equity to all his people. Sadly, not all kings and leaders did the same in biblical times, but we know from scripture that God has made clear what he expects from his children: “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
The prophets were clear that Jesus would reign with justice and righteousness and that the government would be upon his shoulders. We saw the beginning of how Jesus would rule during his three years of ministry before going to the cross to pay for our sins and begin the process of renewal and restoration of all that is broken. So, what did we learn about the kingdom of God when he proclaimed his kingdom in sermons, parables, and conversations with his disciples, with the Pharisees, and with the poor?
One only need read the Sermon on the Mount to see that the kingdom of God always acts with justice, mercy, and humility. In God’s kingdom, all who by their faith in Jesus, have surrendered to his lordship are called to actions that exhibit the kingdom of God to the world by words and deeds. Jesus told us in John 13 that the world will know us by how we love one another. And in Matthew 25 Jesus made it clear that when we feed the poor, care for the sick, and visit the prisoners that we are caring for Jesus himself because everyone we meet, whether near or far, are people created in God’s image.
We long for the day that Jesus returns in glory and restores all that is broken. But we are never called to ignore the suffering of others while we wait. The opposite is what Jesus asks of us. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus now while we eagerly wait for his return. And as the body of Christ, our obligation to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly isn’t restricted to just the people we like or the people who look like we do or vote like we do. Our work of caring for those in need extends beyond our borders.
For many years I have been a volunteer faith leader in a 25-year-old nonpartisan organization called ONE (ONE.org). Just last week I was in our nation’s capital with other faith leaders who, regardless of their political affiliation, work together to advocate for those who have no voice and are in desperate need.
While in our nation’s capital, I reconnected with Point University alumnus, Abraham Nhial, who came to Point from Sudan. I signed his diploma in 2007 when our college was named Atlanta Christian College. You can see part of his story here:
Abraham is now an Anglican bishop in South Sudan and has started two schools, medical clinics, and leads a church as well. As we shared dinner together, I learned of the devastation in South Sudan and the catastrophic impact of the US stopping funds bringing food and medical supplies that are desperately needed in a country that has been torn by civil war and famine. Bishop Abraham’s church and schools received no direct aid from the USA ,but local NGOs did and now, due to the sudden dismantling of USAID, those lifesaving supplies are not available.
As I went to ten offices of members of Congress and the Senate, I heard the same thing: “We know these funds are needed. We have been told that the funds will be sent through other channels.” But sadly, the funds have not been sent, and the impact could result in millions of lost lives—many of them children.
I am not weighing in on politics in this devotion. But I am weighing in on our biblical mandate of caring for the poor and acting with justice, kindness, and mercy on those who, by no fault of their own, were born in South Sudan.
It is easy to ignore or look away from the needs of others whom we do not know. I know Abraham Nhial, and I now of his lifelong journey of faith. Please pray for Abraham, for his community, and for our government leaders to do the right thing and get the money that has already been appropriated out to the organizations that serve the poorest of the poor. If you would like to learn more about Abraham or the scope of this problem, please feel free to contact me.
Father, have mercy on those who wake up today without food and lifesaving medicine. Forgive us for our apathy and worse, for the times we turn our heads when injustice occurs. Turn our hearts toward your commandments and away from the things that hinder our courage to act faithfully with the resources you provide. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
2 Samuel 8:15-18; Micah 6:8; Isaiah 9:6-7, 11:4-5 ESV
Photo by Pexels
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