Justice is not easily obtained. Humans all struggle with prejudice, with favouritism and with fear. James warns Christians in the church too deal fairly with poor and rich visitors to their churches. He knew and wrote against the natural tendency to favour the wealthy and disdain the poor. (James 2:1 - 13) If it has often been hard for the poor to gain equal treatment in a church, how much more is this true in society.
If only our world responded to the wisdom and truth of God's Word. I thought about justice and the world we live in as I read Deuteronomy this morning. Here is the wise charge given 34 centuries ago by Moses, to the new judges appointed to assist him.
“Hear the disputes between your people and judge fairly, whether the case is between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among you. Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God." Deut. 1:16 - 17 (See Ex. 18:17 - 27)
How different and better our world would be if these simple words were followed by those in authority in every country. In western countries where the rule of law is strong, we know that it is very difficult for the "small" to be heard in the same way as the "great". The average individual cannot afford the expert legal advice needed to be heard equally if appearing in court against a large company or against a wealthy individual. The "small" is not heard equally in court against the "great" in many family law cases - the one who can afford the best legal advice is the one who usually wins.
Justice, even when there are no bribes, even when everything is done according to the law, is difficult to find in too many cases. And this in countries where normally we enter the courtroom on level impartial ground.
Now imagine what it is like in countries where the rule of law has only begun to take root. In many countries, unlike what Moses instructs, the foreigner is at huge disadvantage against the citizen. In most situations, the poor have little chance to be treated with justice. Sadly, corruption and family or financial connections rule the day. In some countries, judges cannot judge without being "afraid of any man."
We need to pray for officials in these developing countries. We need to pray they will have the desire and the courage to make good laws and to enforce good laws. We need to pray for the development of honest and safe legal systems.
Why? Because our God is a God of justice. Our God cares deeply for the vulnerable and the poor. And we need to thank God for those who are committed to pursuing justice on behalf of those vulnerable ones - so often women and children.
If only our world responded to the wisdom and truth of God's Word. I thought about justice and the world we live in as I read Deuteronomy this morning. Here is the wise charge given 34 centuries ago by Moses, to the new judges appointed to assist him.
“Hear the disputes between your people and judge fairly, whether the case is between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among you. Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God." Deut. 1:16 - 17 (See Ex. 18:17 - 27)
How different and better our world would be if these simple words were followed by those in authority in every country. In western countries where the rule of law is strong, we know that it is very difficult for the "small" to be heard in the same way as the "great". The average individual cannot afford the expert legal advice needed to be heard equally if appearing in court against a large company or against a wealthy individual. The "small" is not heard equally in court against the "great" in many family law cases - the one who can afford the best legal advice is the one who usually wins.
Justice, even when there are no bribes, even when everything is done according to the law, is difficult to find in too many cases. And this in countries where normally we enter the courtroom on level impartial ground.
Now imagine what it is like in countries where the rule of law has only begun to take root. In many countries, unlike what Moses instructs, the foreigner is at huge disadvantage against the citizen. In most situations, the poor have little chance to be treated with justice. Sadly, corruption and family or financial connections rule the day. In some countries, judges cannot judge without being "afraid of any man."
We need to pray for officials in these developing countries. We need to pray they will have the desire and the courage to make good laws and to enforce good laws. We need to pray for the development of honest and safe legal systems.
Why? Because our God is a God of justice. Our God cares deeply for the vulnerable and the poor. And we need to thank God for those who are committed to pursuing justice on behalf of those vulnerable ones - so often women and children.
No comments:
Post a Comment