Justice, Pt 3: Justice in the Prophets
About the Series
Justice is one of the most important themes in the Bible. What is Biblical Justice? Does our view of justice line up with our actual practice? In this series we are doing a deep dive into scripture, then (hopefully) coming back up with a new imagination for biblical justice and how it might shape our lives and speak into the social issues of our day.
Review the last practice (10 min)
Last week you were invited to pray for or spend time with someone based on the “Shalom List” (relationships marked by honor and dignity, meaningful work, rich multigenerational family life, freedom to worship).
What did you do? How did it go? How did God speak or meet you? Share your experience.
Read the Teaching Recap (5 min)
The prophets were called to represent God’s desires and deliver God’s messages. And one of the loudest messages from the prophets was the call to do justice (Isaiah 3, Micah 3, Jeremiah 34, etc.).
#1 Although the prophets call everyone to justice, it tilts towards those in power.
Justice is not equally accessible and injustice is not equally created. There are dynamics and different levels of power between people and groups.
One of the first questions for people who want to become just is, “What are the power dynamics in the different spheres of life? How am I using my power and privilege?”
And maybe we should ask the person on the other side of the power/influence relationship. Like King David, our sense of justice can be so sharp with other people, but we can be so ignorant with ourselves.
#2 The prophets were so mean! But there is something good in condemnation.
There is something precious in God’s NO. Just like grief can be a form of praise, when the prophets say what’s wrong, it means a “right” exists.
Underneath condemnation there is praise and affirmation for the good that has been lost. Without condemnation there is no hope for healing because it’s as if there is no such thing as injury. Behind every condemnation is a praise for God and his beauty and his good desire for creation.
So condemnation is good news to the victim, but what about the perpetrator? And what do we do when the condemnation comes from God? That’s where the prophets come back in.
They dream of a beautiful future. At Christmas the dream began to become true. In Jesus both the victim and the perpetrator can be reconciled under God’s resounding YES, for there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8)!
Discussion & Prayer (30-40 min)
Reflect. Take a moment to pause and ponder what has been staying with you from this teaching on the Prophets. Where do you see God? How was God at work in the Prophets?
Reflect back on the Justice series so far. Is there anything you’ve been journaling, or praying about these past few weeks? Is there a new perspective, or an expanding mind/heart/soul towards God and His ways of justice?
Share. Share with one another one or two things that are coming to mind.
As sharing happens, feel free to leave a moment of prayerful silence between each person so as not to challenge or comment. Listen prayerfully and allow the Spirit to do His interior work in or through you.
Discuss. As a group consider some of these statements. As you discuss, notice anything that is surprising to you, challenging you, bringing you peace or greater awareness.
Doing justice requires wisdom, not just good intention
Justice is not equally accessible
Our sense of justice can be so sharp with other people, but we can be so ignorant with ourselves
There is something good in condemnation
Pray. Read the list of questions below then take some time to pray prayers of petition, asking God to move, work, heal, restore, etc.
Am I using my sense of justice to do justice by removing constraints to flourishing?
Am I using my sense of justice on behalf of the powerless or using the powerless on behalf of myself?
Where is there a need for reconciliation in your sphere of relationships?
Close the time of prayer by thanking God for his ultimate YES in Christ, reading Isaiah 9:6-7:
”For to Us a Child is Born…And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Amen.
Practice for the Week (5 min)
Reflection. Spend some time reflecting and listening to God, asking: What are the power dynamics in my life, within my family, my spheres of influence? How am I using my power and privilege?
Conversation. Step in closer by engaging in a listening conversation to hear the story of someone within your sphere(s) who is on the other side of your power/influence (child, employee, etc.). Learn from them and offer compassion to them by entering into their story. Let it be a time to offer grace, kindness, and healing by just listening.
