FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL

LESSONS OF JOB
(Part 45)

THE JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD

(January 17, 2010)

Today’s readings
Isaiah 9:1-6
Psalm 97:1-6

We know that “the Lord is king” (Ps 97:1b, NAB) and so “the Lord reigns” (Ps 97:1b, RSV). But what kind of God is He? How does He reign?

God is awesome in His majesty, and it is right for us to fear Him and to be in awe of Him. “Fire goes before him, .... His lightnings lighten the world; .... The mountains melt like wax before the Lord” (Ps 97:3a,4a,5a). And so “the earth sees and trembles.” (Ps 97:4b). We stand in awe before a mighty God. We stand humbled in His awesome presence.

But the psalmist also tells us that “righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.” (Ps 97:2b, RSV). God is not an unjust taskmaster; He is Lord but does not lord it over His subjects; He has authority but is not autocratic. How does He reign? The Almighty is just and righteous! God establishes and upholds His kingdom “with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore.” (Is 9:7b, RSV).[1]

The Almighty Father gives us Jesus as king, and “upon his shoulder dominion rests.” (Is 9:5a). Jesus is “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is 9:6b, RSV).[2]

We look to the heavens and see God’s awesome creation. We look at Jesus and see God’s awesome love. God’s creation itself speaks of His justice and righteousness. “The heavens proclaim God’s justice” (Ps 97:6a, NAB); “The heavens proclaim his righteousness” (Ps 97:6a, RSV). It is Jesus who came down from heaven to bring the justice and righteousness of God, as his light dispelled the darkness and gloom (Is 9:1) and as he removed the yoke that burdened his people and broke the rod of their oppressor (Is 9:3).

We look to the heavens and behold God’s glory (Ps 97:6b). God’s glory is all around us, and in His rule we can rejoice. “The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad.” (Ps 97:1). Jesus has indeed brought us “abundant joy and great rejoicing” (Is 9:2a).

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Lessons of Job - Part 45[PDF]