Our Scripture meditation is based on Isaiah 42:1-3, the start of next week’s Gospel Lesson.
[1] 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. [2] He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; [3] a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.
Justice is a hot topic today, in society and in Christendom. This prophesy gives a glimpse of one of the ways God brings justice to the nations.
Jesus fulfilled this prophesy. We know the Heavenly Father was pleased with His Son (Matthew 3:17). The Gospels describe how Jesus lived out this prophesy, with Matthew 12:20 quoting Isaiah 42:3.
Today justice focuses on disenfranchised people groups and struggles for power. Instead of address injustice at the social level, God the Father attacks injustice at its root cause: sin. First, Jesus took the sin of the world upon himself, earning the forgives of sins for all people. Next, God the Father brought forgiveness of sins personally to millions of Americans through baptism and the Gospel.
As we were brought to faith, God the Holy Spirit went to work sanctifying us. Part of sanctification is creating in us the desire to live justly and seek justice for our neighbor. God is working through the vocations of millions of Christians across America to live justly and bring justice. What a privilege God has given us, to intercede on behalf of our neighbors.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 