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JUSTICE AND MERCY
Read Psalm 6:1-10.
David recognized that if God did not administer justice
with mercy he would still be disciplined.
Read Isaiah 3:1-26.
This is a gloomy message of the fate that awaits
Jerusalem and Judah. But there is hope. God promises justice (verse 10),
He despises injustice (verses 13-15). Justice with mercy is important and
if we follow Him we must uphold that principle.
Read Zechariah 3:1-10.
God's mercy is not granted because we are worthy of
it but by His grace. We are not deserving. God will remove our 'filthy
clothes' (sin) and re-clothe us in righteousness if we repent.
Read Matthew 12:15-20 (based on Isaiah 42:1-4).
The Messiah would uphold
justice with tenderness, love and mercy and (a word to us here) He will do
it quietly and gently without breaking one who is hurting or
condemning one who is weak and sinful.
Read Matthew 23:23 (as part of chapter 23)
in which Jesus condemns the
teachers and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, injustice and lack of mercy.
Read Luke 18:1-14.
These two parables stress God's concern for
justice. In the first parable the judge is corruptable (verses 2 & 6) but
we are not to lose heart in seeking justice. In the second parable
persistence and sincerity in prayer is emphasised.
Read John 1:1-18 (key verse 17).
God's justice and mercy work
together. Moses was given God's law and justice and Jesus came to bring
God's mercy, love and forgiveness.
Additional reading:
Matthew 25:1-13.
The wonderful story that Jesus told about being
prepared. Note the objective of the third evil spirit in the cover story
that there is a God and judgement to come but there is no hurry.
Luke 12:16-21.
Another story about preparedness. We do not know the hour
or the day, therefore it is important that we are right with God. If we
repent of our sins He will show justice with love, mercy and forgiveness.
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