Fighting for Justice

Justice is close to the heart of God. Throughout scripture we read of God’s response to justice and injustice through the Old Testament prophets. Time after time in the Hebrew Bible we find a litany of stories and testimonies about prophets who are clearly critical of the public, religious, and economic leaders for failing to live up to God’s vision for justice. To understand the depth of Biblical justice, I encourage you to look to the prophets Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Hosea, Micah, and Amos. These prophets were fierce champions of justice.

• Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. (Psalm 89:14)
• “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and please the widow’s cause,” (Isaiah 1:17).
• “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)

The road to justice and equality is not easy for anyone. But throughout history, people have paid the price of their personal freedom in the names of justice and equality. Many of those people broke the law to change the world for the better. Numerous men and women have fought for justice throughout history. You have Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi , Susan B. Anthony, Wangari Maathai, Liu Xiaobo, Rosa Parks, John Lewis, John M. Perkins and many more…

Dr. Martin L. King challenged people of faith to hold unjust systems accountable and to not be seduced into complacency or collusion. His challenge is clearly grounded in the prophetic truth-telling found in the Hebrew Bible.

Recently, Representative John Lewis lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. He is honored as a man who fought for justice. He was an American politician and civil rights legend who served in the United States House of Representatives for Georgia’s 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death a few days ago. President Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Rep. Lewis.

My sincere condolences and prayers go out to the Lewis family during this time of sorrow.

When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something. —John Lewis

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My interest in justice began several years ago as I sensed the leading of the Holy Spirit to study the Old Testament Prophets, as well as, men and women like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Howard Thurman, Fannie Lou Hamer, John Perkins and many others. Their passion for justice keeps me focused on the possibilities of what God will say and do during this time of chaos, upheaval, the COVID-19 pandemic, racial tensions and social unrest.

I was a young child in 1963 when the March on Washington for jobs and freedom took place. The March on Washington was a massive protest that occurred in August 1963, when some 250,000 people gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.  Also known as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the event aimed to draw attention to continuing challenges and inequalities faced by African Americans a century after emancipation. It was also the occasion of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s now-iconic “I Have A Dream” speech.

Dr. King’s Christian faith compelled him to express and affirm a common humanity, which united all people on earth, irrespective of religion, race or culture that might separate us from each other in one human family.

There is no doubt that we need justice to roll down like water right now. Yet, justice is a process, and change takes time. Justice without reconciliation falls short of the gospel of Jesus and the grace of God. I believe that one day soon by God’s grace and mercy, justice will roll down like water and righteousness will flow from the very throne of God!

”Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” —Psalm 85:10

Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance!

Dr. A