Deacon Ordination: Lyle Hornaday and The 3:16s of the Bible: God's Call for Justice

Years ago, I heard a ruckus in the basement of our home – my young daughters were at it again!  "It's not fair!"  One said, "Yet, it is fair," said the other.  This went on for some time.  I eventually went downstairs and tried to calm them down, but I must admit, I failed!  I tried my best to make sense of the situation and perhaps inject some peace and justice into the situation – but I could not!  It was one of those situations where one had been given a privilege by virtue of being two years older than the other; when the younger one found out, her first response was predictable and somewhat accurate: "It's not fair!"  We discussed this at length, with the end coming when my youngest daughter ran off to her room, crying loudly, and me hearing the familiar "slam!" of her door.

           

Life's not fair, is it?  Even under the best of circumstances, there may always be a situation or event that has an inherent injustice or unfairness:  One's parents make more money and can buy their child nice things, and their friends have less; Or, one is inherently more intelligent than another, and gets more recognition or awards than others.  Sometimes, what is unjust or unfair results from another's actions or decisions.  Regardless, we all have been on the side of the one who felt slighted – and we have all cried out, just as my daughter, "It's not fair!"

           

In the Old Testament, a preacher named Ecclesiastes wrote about the unfairness of life and the need for justice to overcome this harsh reality of life on this earth.  He commented on the nature of this life when he said, "In the place of justice there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness." 3:16     He was speaking of the unfairness and injustices he had observed in the halls of the justice system, and government actions.  Even the 'good people' were unjust!   The preacher went so far as to say that he could discern no difference between the animals and mankind when it came to their actions towards each other: "I said to myself, 'God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man, for a time for every matter and every deed is there.  I said to myself concerning the sons of men, God has surely tested them for them to see that they are but beasts.'" Vv.17-18

           

We are, obviously, a people with a great need for justice and fairness in our affairs.  But we cannot do it alone!  Here are the instructions from the old preacher;  "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is:  fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.  God  will bring every act to judgement, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil." 12:13-14        Simply put, the only way we will experience a life of fairness, justice, and peace is when people of faith apply their faith to their lives, relationships, and dealings with others.  We cannot, and will not, do it on our own, and we will all face God for our unjust ways!!

           

Other than the clear call to a life of faith, there are a couple of other instructions given to us in God's Word that can guide us in our efforts to bring peace and justice to this life:

           

God wants us to love others.  Not just with shallow emotionalism and easy 'feel good' moments; no, God wants us to practice a godly love towards all, living and acting in a way that demonstrates sincere concern towards the well-being of others.  Ministries to the sick, hurting, and hungry, as do those who are poor and lonely, come to mind.

           

God wants us to work for justice and peace.  This leads us to actions that will protect others from the predatory people of this earth, as well as those in power who tend to use others for their personal gain.  The work for justice and peace is to take place both on a personal level and on a larger level, which may challenge us in our political actions and perspectives.

           

Here is a final thought on peace, and justice, as given to us by the prophet Micah:  "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God."  Micah 6:8 

 

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