1 Corinthians 15:50-58
(Use the link below to read the verses.)
On
August 13 of this year, there was a deadly incident that occurred after two
days of protests, counter-protests and confrontations. It ended with a young
woman being struck and killed by a white supremacist who purposefully drove his
car into a crowd. No matter where you turn today, the battle for justice seems
to be lost.
The
same was true during Jesus’ lifetime. He was born into a world where the
invading Romans ruthlessly ruled and the Jewish religious leaders imposed their
legalistic interpretation of the law, which was used to control the masses. It
was used to judge and condemn. There was no mercy or grace.
Into
this world, Jesus made a point of healing those who others would never touch.
He didn’t differentiate who he loved based on their nationality, ethnicity or religion.
He didn’t care whether you lived in poverty or were wealthy and powerful. He showed
justice for all.
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 NIV
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 NIV
God
has instructed us that it is more important to live justly than to be religious.
8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV
Paul
wrote in 1 Corinthians 15, that because of the crucifixion and resurrection of
Christ, the battle for justice in our own life is already won! Now it is up to
us, to share that Good News justice with the world; to show God’s love and forgiveness
to those who He has brought into our lives.
56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives
sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin
and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. NLT
58 So, my dear brothers, since future victory is sure, be strong
and steady, always abounding in the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you
do for the Lord is ever wasted as it would be if there were no resurrection. TLB
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