How can we align our sense of justice with God's, as seen in Ezekiel? The Heart of the Complaint “Yet your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But it is their way that is not just.” (Ezekiel 33:17) Israel accused God of being unfair because He judged sin and called for repentance. God turned the accusation around: the real injustice was in their own hearts. What This Tells Us • God’s standard is perfect; ours is warped by sin (Romans 3:23). • We instinctively protect ourselves, excuse our behavior, and question God’s right to judge. • True justice starts with acknowledging God as the flawless Judge (Deuteronomy 32:4). God’s Consistent Message • Ezekiel 18:25: “Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is My way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust?” • Isaiah 55:8-9: God’s thoughts and ways surpass ours; His justice springs from infinite wisdom and holiness. • Psalm 89:14: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.” Why Our Justice Goes Off Track • Self-interest—protecting personal comfort or advantage. • Limited perspective—we do not see motives, full histories, or eternal outcomes. • Cultural pressure—society redefines right and wrong (Judges 21:25). • Hardened conscience—repeated sin dulls sensitivity to God’s standards (Ephesians 4:18-19). Steps to Realignment 1. Examine our assumptions – Compare every opinion with Scripture, not popular sentiment (Acts 17:11). 2. Embrace God’s verdict on sin – Agree with Him that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). 3. Center on the cross – At Calvary, justice and mercy meet (Romans 3:25-26). 4. Walk in ongoing repentance – “But if the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he will live by doing so.” (Ezekiel 33:19) 5. Cultivate humility – Recognize we may still be blind in areas; invite God to search us (Psalm 139:23-24). 6. Seek the Spirit’s discernment – The Spirit guides into all truth (John 16:13), aligning our judgments with God’s. Practical Markers of Aligned Justice • Truth-telling without compromise (Ephesians 4:25). • Impartiality—same standard for friend or foe (James 2:1-9). • Compassion for the vulnerable (Micah 6:8; Zechariah 7:9-10). • Quick forgiveness when repentance is shown (Matthew 18:21-22). • Consistent personal holiness—living what we demand of others (1 Peter 1:15-16). Living It Out in Community • Church discipline handled lovingly and biblically (Matthew 18:15-17). • Advocacy for the oppressed while upholding moral absolutes (Proverbs 31:8-9). • Refusal to applaud evil, even when socially acceptable (Romans 1:32). • Celebrating mercy and restoration whenever someone turns back to God (Luke 15:7). Aligning our sense of justice with God’s means letting His Word reshape our instincts, submitting every verdict to the Judge whose way is always right. |
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