The God of Justice
I will meditate on your precepts and think about your ways I will meditate on your precepts and think about your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Psalm 119:15–16 CSB
Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 CSB
You have wearied the Lord with your words You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you ask, “How have we wearied him?” When you say... Malachi 2:17 CSB
“Everyone who does what is evil is good in the Lord’s sight and he is delighted with them, or else where is the God of justice?” Malachi 2:17 CSB
The Problem: The righteous are suffering and evil is going unpunished.
“I will come to you in judgment, and I will be ready to witness against sorcerers and adulterers; against those who swear falsely... Malachi 3:5 CSB
... against those who oppress the hired worker, the widow, and the fatherless; and against those who deny justice to the resident alien... Malachi 3:5 CSB
They do not fear me,” says the Lord of Armies. Malachi 3:5 CSB
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5–6 CSB
When we are faced with trial and difficulties, we are to trust God and not rely on our own understanding.
“Rely” means to “support oneself; to make yourself comfortable”.
God asks for you to have faith in him; to trust him; especially when you don’t understand.
“See, I am going to send my messenger, and he will clear the way before me. Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to his temple... Malachi 3:1–5 CSB
... the Messenger of the covenant you delight in—see, he is coming,” says the Lord of Armies. But who can endure the day of his coming?... Malachi 3:1–5 CSB
And who will be able to stand when he appears And who will be able to stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire and like launderer’s bleach. He will be like a refiner and purifier of silver... Malachi 3:1–5 CSB
he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver ... he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the Lord in righteousness... Malachi 3:1–5 CSB
And the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord as in days of old and years gone by. “I will come to you in judgment, and I will be ready to witness against sorcerers and adulterers... Malachi 3:1–5 CSB
... against those who swear falsely; against those who oppress the hired worker, the widow, and the fatherless... Malachi 3:1–5 CSB
and against those who deny justice to the resident alien ... and against those who deny justice to the resident alien. They do not fear me,” says the Lord of Armies. Malachi 3:1–5 CSB
The Solution: Be prepared for the day of the LORD when justice will come.
“I will come to you in judgment, and I will be ready to witness against sorcerers and adulterers; against those who swear falsely... Malachi 3:5 CSB
... against those who oppress the hired worker, the widow, and the fatherless; and against those who deny justice to the resident alien... Malachi 3:5 CSB
They do not fear me,” says the Lord of Armies. Malachi 3:5 CSB
Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 CSB
To act justly is to protect the vulnerable and live a life of love.
The Question: Am I treating others justly?
The God of Justice