Love Mercy, Do Justice September 2022 Scripture Reflection
Psalm 82:1-4 – “God resides over heaven’s court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings: How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked? Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.” (NLT)
It is very easy to look at our world and see many daily examples of injustice, oppression, and suffering of the marginalized. Sometimes I’ve wondered, “God, where are you in all of this? Who is paying attention to all of this? And what are we doing about it?”
But, this psalm reminds me that God has a special place in his heart for the marginalized. God loves those who can’t defend or help themselves and it is the church, God’s people, who are given the task today to help, defend, and give justice to others.
As I’ve been learning and leaning into new ways of thinking, I know it is easier for me to show compassion and mercy to those in need. What I struggle with more is how to give justice and hold up the rights of the oppressed and destitute.
A question the Evangelical Covenant Church asks is, “What causes the injustice and how do we take corrective action?” This posture takes a more active role in truly understanding the injustice and what can be done to change course.
How do we step in and get involved in programs, systems, and laws to change the outcome? This is not easy. It certainly makes me look at things differently and gets me out of my comfort zone. There is a lot to learn and change in my life, so that we truly “give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.”
Dave Kellenberger is a member of the Love Mercy, Do Justice team at Arvada Covenant Church