He has told you, O man, 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.”
Micah 6:8 ESV
In a culture that cries out for truth and justice, the church should shine as a beacon of hope. God’s church is the pillar and foundation of truth (1 TM 3:15). We know that His church is composed of many individual members. Within many and varied households, these members form the universal family of God, comprising those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Who is able to see that these independent members, all having been given supreme sovereignty over their own wills, can and would bow to a greater authority that desires to dispense righteous justice? Shepherds, after the heart of God, are given to us to watch over our souls, helping us navigate the modern complexity of mindsets and choices.
This is the very plan of God, and ultimately, on that last day, every knee will bow to the name of Jesus, the ultimate judge, dispensing righteous justice. Until then, Christ, in the believing one, is our Father's hope of manifesting His glory through justice and mercy upon this earth.
This is our job as the church: to continue proclaiming the goodness of God, so that others can receive the mercy He offers now through Jesus. Justice and mercy must be displayed through individuals who have first humbled themselves before their Lord and King.
Revelation 19 reveals Jesus’ return; beginning with verse 11 through 16, we read from the ESV:
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
This is our righteous judge. While Jesus declared in John's gospel,12:48 ~ “the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day,” these words spoken from the Father, manifested by Jesus, are the ultimate judge. As a two-edged sword, Revelation tells us that His sword proceeds out of his mouth. Again, you cannot separate Jesus from his word. They are one and the same.
To dispense justice and mercy requires a vital union with the Father, built on the word and taught by the Holy Spirit. Our world craves justice, and it needs mercy.
He has told you, O man, 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?