Luke 18:6-8

“And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them?” vs. 7

From the beginning humans have been concerned about justice. The prophets of the Hebrew scriptures made it a constant refrain. Again and again they cried to God, “Justice, only justice,” and would not be content with empty promises from earthly rulers. They wanted relief for the poor, food for the hungry, and freedom for those in bondage, and they would not be still. Jesus was certainly aware of that demand for justice and he made it a central part of his ministry. While his cries for justice were ultimately silenced by his death on the cross, his followers have not been still, and through the centuries people of faith have continued to work for justice in every conceivable circumstance. Wherever there has been bigotry, slavery, exploitation, or inequality, followers of Jesus have boldly stood with the oppressed against the dominating powers. This is never an easy place to stand. Often injustice is deeply enmeshed within the culture and those who point it out are called rabble-rousers and trouble-makers. Pastors calling for justice can be accused of bringing politics into the pulpit. Some prophets have been hunted down and killed. But Jesus says we really have no choice but to continue demanding justice. Our calling comes from our election as God’s chosen ones…and we are promised that God’s justice will one day prevail for all!

Thought for the Day: When do cries for justice make me mad?