When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. – Proverbs 21:15
Traditionally, the last days in the month of June are when the United States Supreme Court releases its rulings on the session’s biggest cases. This year is no different, as the high court will rule on matters involving social media, presidential immunity, gun issues, and state or federal jurisdiction over abortion limits. Such major decisions are seldom unanimous, and the justices often split their decisions based on their own moral or ethical value systems. But is true justice subjective?
The Trinity College Law Gazette, in distinguishing between subjective morality and objective laws, said, “Laws are created in response to general moral values, but as moral values progressively evolve, the law is often left stagnant and outdated.” The follower of Christ must approach justice through the lens of a Biblical worldview. Professor of Christian Theology Dr. Stephen Wellum wrote, “First, God is essentially holy, just, and righteous. The only warrant for a universal, objective ground for justice is God himself. God is the law because his will and nature determines what is right and just. … Second, in God’s works, he demands and acts in justice consistent with himself.” Moreover, God does not change, nor are His laws subjected to evolving social morals. Scripture has clearly defined justice. Theologian John Piper said, “Christians do not settle in with justice in this age. Even as it surrounds us. … In Christ, we aim and act for genuine justice.”
At the inception of the United States, many writings and judicial rulings were based on the absolutes of Scripture. The founders understood that justice is objective, not subjective. As you observe problems in America in the application and administration of justice, be attentive in your prayers for those who serve in the legal system. Intercede for the justices of the Supreme Court, federal judges, local magistrates, and all who are engaged in law enforcement at every level.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 21:15
When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous
but terror to evildoers.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 37:3-8, 27-31
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!
8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
27 Turn away from evil and do good;
so shall you dwell forever.
28 For the Lord loves justice;
he will not forsake his saints.
They are preserved forever,
but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land
and dwell upon it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not slip.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
