Seek Justice

6

Introduction

Let’s Review:

Series- Teachings of Jesus- Learning about Living that God Approves through this series of “Blessed” sayings.

Week 1: God approves of those who recognize their need for him.

Week 2: God approves of those who are sorrowful over sin and injustice.

Week 3: God approves of those who have self-control/disciplined character.

Tonight, we learn one more aspect that God approves.

Verse Diagram - It is important to know the key words and their meanings to help establish context. 5 Keys in our text: Blessed, Hunger and Thirst, Righteousness, and Filled.

Blessed are those (God Approves)

who hunger and thirst (greatly desire)

for righteousness (Justice, right in the world for all people) The word righteousness in this text is a multi-layered term. It’s not merely limited to wanting to live right before God (because this highly important) but it also stretches us to ensure that rightness happens on behalf of other believers and all humankind.

for they shall be filled. (Fully satisfied, fully content).

Why is this important?

Authentic Christianity is not just about our conduct before God but it is also about our concern for the welfare of one another.

Principles Regarding Justice

Blessed are those who hunger

Have a strong desire

A. Mandate for Justice. ()

The New Revised Standard Version What God Requires

He has told you, O mortal, what is good;

and what does the LORD require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?

- God’s Case Against Israel (Read and consider verses 1-5)

The Tragedy- They had been taught better. (v.8a- He has shown mortal what is good…) (App)

The turn - Look ya’ll here’s what is expected of you.

Do Justice- (Do What is Right)

Love (Mercy)- (Heb. Hesed)-(show favor and kindness)

Walk (Humbly) with your God. (None of which are up for negotiation)

The Point: Our commitment ought to be inclusive of our commitment to one another.

B. Missional Justice. ()

The New Revised Standard Version The Judgment of the Nations

Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’

This Passage: The Final Judgement

Separation of Sheep and Goats

Sheep- Right Hand

Goats- Left Hand

Those on the right- Welcomed to inherit the kingdom because in serving the needs of others, they also served Jesus.

Those on the Left- Condemned because in ignoring the needs of their fellow man, they also missed an opportunity to serve Jesus.

The Point? You can’t separate your commitment to Christ from your commitment to your community.

The Question is: Who Will We Choose To Be?

C. Models for Justice Seeking. () (32-34)

The New Revised Standard Version The Faith of Other Israelite Heroes

And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

- The Faith Hall of Fame- Gives list of men and women who not only honored God with their lives but also honored God in their commitment to others.

This particular section gives a list of OT Leaders who not only overcame various challenges for themselves but did what was right what was God’s people. (Ruled with Justice)

Authentic Leadership is a selfless calling, not a selfish calling.

When it’s all said and done, How will be remembered? Will we be remember for just what we accomplished for ourselves or will we also be remembered for how God used our power and platforms to defend the cause of those who may not be able to defend themselves?

The Promise for Those Who Seek Justice (v.6b)

Those who seek justice for all people will be content.

The missing element here though is that the text never tell us when this contentment will take place.

for

and thirst

Much like faith leaders in Biblical times, we too are confronted with all manners of injustices every single day. (Expound- Police Brutality, Poverty, the Oppression of Marginalized Groups, etc)

righteousness Justice

While we are yet waiting on change to come, we must make the commitment to pursue what is right believing that God will keep God’s promise by meeting that need in his own time.

Let us challenge ourselves to not only want to do the right thing before God in the name of holy and godly living. Let us also seek to ensure that right happens to all humankind because our commitment to God is reflected in our commitment to one another.

God Approves

They will be filled fully satistfied