Justice how a child of God deals with its apparent absence in His creation

Introduction how to reconcile God’s justice and sovereignty with injustices that happen each day? (Jer. 12:1) ▫David also explores this question in Psalm 73  the problem of injustice (v.1-14)  the source of enlightenment (v.15-17)  the inspired answer (v.18-28) why does injustice exist in the world, and how can we maintain our faith and trust in God?

The Reality of Injustice consequence of a world full of sin ▫justice  quality of being right ▫sin  missing the mark of righteousness ▫therefore, when sin entered the world, so did injustice (Gen. 1:31)(Hab. 1:2-4) prosperity of the wicked (Ps. 73:1-14) ▫worldly success cannot be an indicator of God’s favor, else more righteous would be wealthy ▫while wicked lie, cheat, and steal for gain, the Christian is instructed to be content (1 Tim. 6:6-8)

The Reality of Injustice suffering of the saints ▫“whom the Lord loves, He chastens” (Heb. 12:6) ▫persecution (2 Tim. 3:12)(1 Pet. 2:19-21) limits of even sincere human justice ▫besides the problem of sin, man simply cannot escape injustice because not all-knowing ▫even the most well-intentioned judge and jury can get the verdict wrong, not knowing the thoughts of the heart of the accused and the accusers

Our Reaction to Injustice peace in the sovereignty of God (Ps. 37:1-11) ▫that life does not seem fair is not an indication of the absence or inattention of God ▫rather, those committed to waiting with Him will enjoy the blessings of spiritual prosperity prosperity of wicked is short lived (Ps. 73:18-20) ▫fruit of sin is fleeting, and its wages are death (Heb. 11:24-26)(Rom. 6:23) ▫not to be compared with the spiritual treasure of the righteous (Lk. 12:15)(Mt. 6:19-21)

Our Reaction to Injustice strive to be blameless ▫God grows weary of those calling for justice, yet living unjust lives (Mal. 2:17) ▫peace in a clear conscience in the face of accusations (Ps. 37:37-38)(1 Pet. 3:15-16) leave vengeance to the Lord ▫not our place to right all wrongs and execute justice on evil (Rom. 12:14, 17-21)  can pursue justice by lawful means (Acts 16:35-37) ▫committed to God’s judgment (1 Pet. 2:21-23)

The Perfect Justice of God (Prov. 29:26) He alone knows man’s heart (Ps. 7:9-10) ▫in Judgment, no need of witnesses, and no hope to sway His wrath (2 Cor. 5:10)(Rev. 20:11-15) He alone can redeem (Rom. 3:23-26) ▫in the death of Christ, He showed His just wrath for sin, and in the resurrection and our hope, He showed His just mercy and grace

Conclusion like even the inspired writers, we may not understand why things happen like they do ▫but by God’s grace and guidance, we can trust and know that justice will eventually, and eternally, prevail (Ps. 73:21-28) until then, let us “observe mercy and justice, and wait on [our] God continually” (Hos. 12:6)