A Call to Justice, Mercy and Fairness

In Luke 19:23, King James Version, we read “wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?”

The NLT version, says, “why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’”

And to put it more in context, we go to The Message version of the Bible. I read from verses 11-27:

“While he had their attention, and because they were getting close to Jerusalem by this time and expectation was building that God’s kingdom would appear any minute, he told this story: 

“There was once a man descended from a royal house who needed to make a long trip back to headquarters to get authorization for his rule and then return. But first he called ten servants together, gave them each a sum of money, and instructed them, ‘Operate with this until I return.’ 

“But the citizens there hated him. So they sent a commission with a signed petition to oppose his rule: ‘We don’t want this man to rule us.’ “When he came back bringing the authorization of his rule, he called those ten servants to whom he had given the money to find out how they had done. 

“The first said, ‘Master, I doubled your money.’ “He said, ‘Good servant! Great work! Because you’ve been trustworthy in this small job, I’m making you governor of ten towns.’ “The second said, ‘Master, I made a fifty percent profit on your money.’ “He said, ‘I’m putting you in charge of five towns.’ 

“The next servant said, ‘Master, here’s your money safe and sound. I kept it hidden in the cellar. To tell you the truth, I was a little afraid. I know you have high standards and hate sloppiness, and don’t suffer fools gladly.’ 

“He said, ‘You’re right that I don’t suffer fools gladly—and you’ve acted the fool! Why didn’t you at least invest the money in securities so I would have gotten a little interest on it?’ “Then he said to those standing there, ‘Take the money from him and give it to the servant who doubled my stake.’ 

“They said, ‘But Master, he already has double . . .’ “He said, ‘That’s what I mean: Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag. “‘As for these enemies of mine who petitioned against my rule, clear them out of here. I don’t want to see their faces around here again.’””

So this is a story being told by Jesus of this nobleman who trusted his servants with resources, expecting them to use them wisely and justly. 

One smart guy, or so he thought, kept what he was given thinking he was doing a good thing.

He totally missed the opportunity to invest and gain more. He totally missed the assignment.

How many of us recognize even our assignment from God? How many of us allow ourselves to be distracted and go off track?

How many of us are sitting on our gifts and talents and time and money, refusing to use it for the furtherance of the work of Jesus Christ?

Well this story in Luke chapter 19 should be a reminder that God calls each of us not only to use our resources well but to live with a spirit of justice, mercy, and fairness in all we do.

 

God is a God of justice and He expects His people to also do what is right.

In Micah 6:8 it is written “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

In every thing we do, Family, we should be fair, avoid harm, choose to do good, and to protect, and uplift others.

 

God also values mercy, which goes hand-in-hand with justice. 

Matthew 5:7 says “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

If we are merciful, we will show compassion, especially when we have the power to not be compassionate. 

God extends mercy to us, and so we should show grace to those around us, being quick to forgive and slow to judge.

 

Finally, Family, be fair. It is a principle that should guide our relationships at home, at work and in our every day life wherever we go.

James 5:4 warns against withholding fair wages from workers, saying, “For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”

So exploitation, unfair practices, revenge, tit for tat, unforgiveness, these traits are not of God.

God wants us to be kind and loving and treat others as we would want to be treated.

 

The encouragement for us today is, live by these principles of justice, mercy, and fairness. 

Let us remember that the resources, talents, and opportunities we’ve been given are not only for our benefit but for the benefit of others. 

By using them well, with a heart aligned with God’s will, we bring His love and righteousness to the world around us.

aub - 4 Nov 24

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