Justice & righteousness: cornerstones for the nations

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. (Isaiah 42:1)

God’s people should be people of justice, righteousness and generosity, especially towards poor and vulnerable.

Justice means making things right by correcting wrongdoing, fighting inequality and being generous. It encompasses the idea than when we see others lacking it is your job to get involved. Every place this word is used in OT, several classes of people come up again and again – Widows, orphans, immigrants and the poor. Today, we would also include refugee, migrant worker, homeless single parents, elderly, mentally ill, and others.

“The righteous are [those who are] willing to disadvantage themselves to advantage the community; the wicked are [those who are] willing to disadvantage the community to advantage themselves.” Bruce Waltke

As you watch or listen to the news, let the Holy Spirit draw from your hearts prayers for righteousness and justice for the nations of Asia and the Arab World, many of whom are devastated by conflict, war, social and economic injustices, poverty, inequality. And pray for your nation as well.