God’s Call To Justice
One aspect of God’s justice which is not talked about very often is His concern for the oppressed. You might be asking, “Isn’t God’s justice concerned with punishing wrong-doing?” The short answer is, “Yes, but…”
The American justice system seems to have broken down. It isn’t considered just for many who have been impacted by mass incarceration. I will refer to it as the court system in this article.
There are many verses that mention God’s justice and His righteousness and how He cares for the oppressed, poor, and needy. If you have been involved with the court system and find yourself struggling with being oppressed, poor, or needy, then I have good news for you. God is aware of your situation. God cares for you, and He will show you His love, as you seek Him.
Has your community released you from your past? Has your family released you from your past? If you have paid your debt to society, you are no longer in debt. If you have received forgiveness from the Lord, then you are free indeed. The term justification is an important truth for you and me. It means that God has declared you righteous. You may be asking, “Isn’t God righteous?” The answer is, “Yes.” And His righteousness was given you when you received forgiveness for your sins by putting your faith in Jesus Christ.
- For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2Cor 5:21)
If you are righteous now, you might be asking why you feel oppressed, poor, and needy. King David felt the same way. But he sought the Lord and expected God to deliver him.
- But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God. (Ps 40:17)
- But I am poor and needy; make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay. (Ps 70:5)
Are you seeking God today? Did you receive Christ in prison, but once you got out, you stopped seeking Him? Have you felt unwelcome in a local church? Have you felt abandoned by God? Know this, that the Judge who declared you righteous is the Judge who cares for the oppressed, the poor, and the needy.
- He does not preserve the life of the wicked, but gives justice to the oppressed. (Job 36:6)
- LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed… (Ps 10:18)
- He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, and will break in pieces the oppressor. (Ps 72:4)
- When God arose to judgment, to deliver all the oppressed of the earth. (Ps 76:9)
- Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. (Ps 82:3)
- The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. (Ps 103:6)
- Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners. (Ps 146:7)
- Isa 10:2 – To rob the needy of justice, and to take what is right from the poor of My people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless.
- Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. (Isa 32:16-17)
We at Mulberry Tree Ministries care for you and understand some of the difficulty you may be experiencing as you return to the community. Please write to us and tell us about your concerns and needs.
Mulberry Tree Ministries bridges the gap for returning citizens between being discipled in a correctional facility and finding a home church.
We will provide discipling support to those who desire it until they find home churches where they can grow and flourish.
Not only does the Justice of God exact appropriate punishment for wrong-doing, but it relieves the suffering of the oppressed, the poor, and the needy. Some call this Social Justice, Distributive Justice, or Restorative Justice. God wants to deliver you from your need, and God wants His children to care for those in need, regardless of what was done in their pasts.
- And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jer 29:13)
