Justice in the Hands of a Gracious God

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John Carreyrou’s book Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup tells about the Theranos scandal.

At one point it talks about Tyler Shultz, one of the key figures who exposed the fraudulent practices at Theranos, the biotech company once valued at billions.
·         He discovered that Theranos was misleading investors and patients about its blood-testing technology.
·         He chose to speak out.
·         His decision cost him dearly.
·         He lost friends, faced legal threats, and became estranged from his own grandfather, George Shultz, a Theranos board member who initially didn’t believe him.
·         Meanwhile, the company’s leadership, including Elizabeth Holmes, continued to gain wealth, influence, and public admiration—for a time.
·         Shultz could have asked, Is doing the right thing worth it? He suffered while those engaging in wrongdoing seemed untouchable.
·         But in the end, the truth came to light.
·         Theranos collapsed, Holmes was convicted, and Shultz’s integrity was vindicated.

But what about those times when stories of injustice don’t have a happy ending?

·         This is the question addressed in Psalm 73:
·         Three parts:
Psalm 73 is written by Asaph, reflecting on the problem of injustice—why the wicked seem to thrive while the righteous suffer. It follows a structure that moves from lament to a realization of God's ultimate justice and ends in renewed faith. Below is a breakdown of its key themes, along with practical examples and applications.

1. The Problem of Injustice (vv. 1–14)

Asaph (author) begins by affirming an important theological truth:

Psalm 73:1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
·         “Truly God is good.”
·         Basic starting place.

But immediately, he confesses his struggle:

Psalm 73:2-3 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
·         He nearly lost his faith because he saw people getting away with terrible crimes and sins.
·         Instead of getting caught and punished, they were getting away with it.
·         They were getting away with their crimes and prospering.

Then, he describes how the wicked live without trouble,

Psalm 73:4-5 4 For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek.
5 They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.

·         Not actually true, but it feels that way.

Story of our renters
·         Got away with a lot
·         But they were always looking behind their backs

He also describes their arrogance and oppressive behaviour.

Psalm 73:6-9 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment.
7 Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies.
8 They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth.

…and yet, they continue to increase in wealth.

Psalm 73:12 Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches.

All of this leads him to question whether living righteously is worth it:

Psalm 73:13 “Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence."

2. The Turning Point—God’s Perspective (vv. 15–20)

The psalmist struggles with this until he enters the sanctuary of God.

Psalm 73:17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.
·         Even when injustice seems unchecked in this world, there is an ultimate reckoning. God sees all, and His justice will prevail.
This truth helps us:
·         …to remain steadfast, knowing that faithfulness to God is not in vain.
·         …to guard against bitterness and despair, reminding us that God's timing and wisdom surpass our own.

3. Personal Repentance and Trust in God (vv. 21–28)

The psalmist comes to a moment of deep personal reflection.

·         He acknowledges that his earlier frustration and envy were rooted in a limited, earthly perspective.
·         In verses 21-22, he confesses:
Psalm 73:21-22 21 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,
22 I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you.
 
·         This is a striking admission.
·         He recognizes that his bitterness blinded him, making him act like a senseless animal, consumed by emotions rather than faith.
·         But this turning point leads him to a profound realization: his true security is not in worldly prosperity, but in the presence and faithfulness of God.

Even when he was doubting, even when his heart was embittered, God never let go of him.

Psalm 73:23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.

At this point, we must recognize that Asaph’s earlier struggle is not unique to him.

·         His confession mirrors our own reality: we have all sinned, we have all been envious, we have all doubted God’s justice at times.
·         But the hope of this passage is not just in the destruction of the wicked—it is in the grace of God that saves sinners like us.
·         If ultimate justice were based solely on our deeds, then who among us could stand?
·         The truth is, we are not so different from those we call “the wicked.” We may not be oppressors or mockers, but we have all rebelled against God in our hearts.
·         And yet, there is good news: God offers mercy through Jesus Christ.

Psalm 73:25 beautifully expresses the heart of true faith:

Psalm 73:25
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you."
·         This is the posture of a heart that has found grace—not relying on wealth, power, or personal righteousness, but clinging to God alone.
·         And in the fullness of God’s revelation, we know this grace is found in Christ.
·         On the cross, He bore the weight of divine justice so that all who repent and trust in Him might receive e mercy and forgiveness.

The psalm ends with a strong contrast:

Psalm 73:27-28
27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
1.    Notice the contrast between “those who are far from you” (who will perish) and those who are “near God” who experience God as their refuge, now and for eternity.
2.    Many Christians often view salvation as a one-time event—when we place our faith in Jesus, we are saved, almost as if we’ve received a ticket to eternal life.
o   However, what if salvation is also a transformative process?
o   What if, beyond simply having faith, the true essence of salvation is becoming like God, growing into a deep love for Him?
3.    Consider this: if salvation is not just about having faith in Jesus, but about "loving Jesus," it would mean that God's presence is reserved for those who genuinely love Him.
o   It makes little sense that God would force His eternal presence upon someone who does not love Him.
o   Instead, salvation can be seen as a journey where our growing love for God shapes us, preparing us to fully and joyfully dwell in His presence for eternity.

Two takeaways

1.    The ultimate justice of God is not always immediate but is certain.
·         It might not always be seen in this life.
·         But it will be seen ultimately.
2.    When it comes to acts of injustice, we cannot only speak in “us” and “them” terms.
·         We are all capable of injustice.
·         And we are likely all guilty from time to time.
·         We believe in a just God.
·         But we also believe in justice in the hands of a gracious God.
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