“That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
(Deuteronomy 16:20)
God is a God of perfect righteousness. Everything He does is holy, wise, and just. There is no corruption in His judgments, no partiality in His decisions, and no delay caused by ignorance or weakness. Because justice is one of His glorious attributes, He calls His people to love and pursue justice in every area of life.[1]
For this reason, justice should shape our conduct, our relationships, and our decisions. We should be known for truthfulness, fairness, and integrity, seeking the good of our neighbor while avoiding favoritism.
Such a command, however, reveals the sinfulness of our heart. We want justice for others while making excuses for ourselves. We point out the failures of those around us while overlooking our own sins. We expect fairness when we are wronged but may neglect doing what’s right when our own interests are at stake.
Left to ourselves, we do not naturally follow justice. We fall short in our thoughts, words, and actions. This is why we need the law of God to expose our failures and teach us that we need a righteousness greater than our own.
The good news of the gospel is that Jesus Christ is the perfectly righteous One. He fulfilled every requirement of God’s law and always did what was just and pleasing in the Father’s sight. He is the righteous Judge and also the merciful Savior who bore the penalty of sin in the place of His people.
But the best news is that those who belong to Christ are not only forgiven; they are also being shaped into His likeness. The indwelling Holy Spirit works within believers to produce integrity, compassion, honesty, and a growing love for justice and righteousness.
Therefore, let us pray for hearts that love justice and lives that reflect the righteousness of God. And let us act fairly, speak truthfully, and walk humbly before the Lord because in our pursuit of justice we honor and love the One whose throne is established in righteousness.
Contemplations:
- Desiring A Heart That Loves Righteousness. I’m often aware of the injustice in the world, but I need to ask whether I truly seek righteousness in my own heart and conduct. It is easier to identify the failures of others than to examine my own motives and actions. I want the Lord to teach me to love what is right because it reflects His own holy character.
- Seeing My Need For Grace. The command to follow justice reminds me that I often speak carelessly, judge selfishly, and fail to love my neighbor as I should. But the law humbles me and directs my attention to Christ, who alone fulfilled perfect righteousness on behalf of sinners.
- Learning To Trust God’s Perfect Judgment. I can become discouraged because injustice seems to prevail. Yet God sees everything, reminding me that I can rest in the confidence that nothing escapes His notice and that one day every wrong will be addressed by His perfect wisdom and righteousness.
- Seeking To Reflect Christ’s Character. As one who belongs to Christ, I want my life to display honesty, integrity, and fairness. I want to treat others with kindness and truth because I have received abundant mercy from God. Following after justice is one way that I honor the Savior who is righteousness altogether.
Prayer (Supplication):
Righteous Father, You are holy in all Your ways and perfect in all Your judgments. There is no injustice with You, no partiality, and no error in anything that You do. I praise You because Your throne is established in righteousness and truth.
I ask that You give me a heart that loves justice because it loves You. Deliver me from selfishness, dishonesty, and hypocrisy and guard me from demanding righteousness from others while neglecting it in myself.
Teach me to walk in integrity before You. Help me speak truthfully, deal fairly, and seek the good of those around me. When I am tempted to act out of pride, fear, or personal advantage, remind me that You see every thought and every deed.
Grant wisdom to all those in positions of authority. Give them courage to uphold what is right and to administer justice faithfully and without partiality. Restrain corruption and establish righteousness in every place where You have appointed leaders to serve.
I also ask that You help me trust Your perfect judgment. When I see injustice and cannot understand Your providence, keep me from bitterness and unbelief. Teach me to rest in the assurance that You will do what is right in Your own time.
Above all, I thank You for Jesus Christ, the righteous Savior who fulfilled the law that I could never keep and who bore the punishment that I deserved. Conform me more and more to His image, that my life may display something of His holiness and truth.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
Isa. 56:1; Deut. 4:1; Prov. 21:3; Micah 6:8
[1] Thomas Brooks, The Complete Works of Thomas Brooks, ed. Alexander Balloch Grosart, vol. 6 (Edinburgh; London; Dublin: James Nichol; James Nisbet and Co.; G. Herbert, 1867), 7-8.
