April 13, 2019
For full passage click: Luke 23:13-30 …“But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed.” vs. 23
In a world where despots are in control, matters of justice are subject to the whim of the ruler. According to Luke, Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent and had him crucified anyway. The demands and loud shouts of the crowd were all that mattered. As citizens, we have an interest in the justice system. We claim to want strict adherence to the laws and appropriate sentencing for the guilty. We expect that the innocent will be exonerated and set free. What actually happens is far from what we say we desire! Too often the innocent suffer and the guilty walk free! That’s what happens in a world where power and wealth trump justice and the loud shouts of the self-interested prevail. It’s likely that this corrupt system is the best our society can do—it’s been around for centuries. But followers of Jesus continue to hope and work for something better and dream of a world where justice for all is the norm. It’s what spirit-filled leaders have been advocating all along. Micah puts it well, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.” Jesus didn’t receive justice, sometimes we don’t either. But always, our call is to act justly in every circumstance, every single time—even if it’s not the way of our world!
Thought for the Day: When am I most likely to act unjustly?
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