Love Mercy, Do Justice August 2022 Scripture Reflection
Jeremiah 22:3 – Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.” (RSV)
As I reflected on this scripture, it challenged me to realize that when I have passively allowed injustices to be perpetrated, I have acted completely contrary to what God called his people to in Jeremiah 22:3. In this verse, he is warning the wicked king of Judah, and the people, to change course – to stand for the vulnerable and downtrodden in the community.
I have been learning that Biblical justice is central to the gospel message that all humans are made in the image of God. Justice has always been important to God. Is my concern for justice limited to myself and those like me? I need to seek biblical justice wherever injustice is found.
In the past, I prioritized justice around the sanctity of life, which was good, but I neglected racial justice treating it as less important. I need to learn more about God’s heart for justice in the Bible. As a committed follower of Jesus Christ, this is not an optional task.
I also need to learn about injustice in our nation’s history and become an advocate and burden-bearer for those who have been oppressed by racism. I need to be open to allowing my heart to be shaped toward one that increasingly reflects the heart and mission of God.
We are individuals living in community with one another. We each bear immense responsibility for pursuing truth and upholding justice in our society. I need to repent of apathy and pray for opportunities to live out justice in our community.
Brian Rodriguez is a member of the Love Mercy, Do Justice team at Arvada Covenant Church