Justice: what could be fairer? – 24 Jan 2007

How often we bemoan the injustice of the world – the innocent are punished and the guilty walk free. The poor and disenfranchised are exploited – the rich are able to influence the ways of the world to increase their riches.

The recent execution of Saddam Hussein was welcomed by many, and seen as bringing him to justice. Though capital punishment divides the nation and there can be many criticisms of his trial, imprisonment and the indignity of his execution – his life was taken in the name of justice, and there can be no doubt that he was guilty of the murder of thousands of innocent people. Sometimes we can confuse justice and vengeance. Do we want revenge in the manner of “an eye for an eye” more than we want justice to be done? Do we really know what justice is?

Genesis Chapter 4 introduces the first murder in the bible – when Cain kills his brother Abel.

Cain said to the LORD, My punishment is more than I can bear. Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.
But the LORD said to him, Not so; if anyone kills Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over. Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no-one who found him would kill him. Genesis 4: 10-15 [NIV]

God chose to punish Cain but did not end his life. The mind of God is difficult to read – but rest assured (or beware) that justice will be done, and seen by all to be done in the time to come.

Jesus taught how justice will come:

And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?
I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly.
However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?
Luke 18: 7-8 [NIV]

Heavenly Father – keep us faithful until the Son of Man comes. Amen.