Pastor Ian shares a message following the events in recent weeks sparked by the police murder of George Floyd in the U.S.
Text: 1 John1:5-8
Lots of people talk about social justice and what’s wrong in the world. This intrinsic desire we have to see wrongs righted, is what keeps us watching films where the villain gets their just due.
Justice is important to God. It’s so important that what’s right, what’s wrong and how to live justly are consistent themes that we will find throughout the Bible. But what does that mean for us? Following Jesus means we have to know Him and part of knowing Him is knowing what’s important to Him. So if it’s important to God, it should be important to us.
The slogan ‘Black Lives Matter’ is a clarion call not just to those who are socially active or socially inclined or even philanthropic in nature but is a reminder that in the beginning ‘God’ and God created man. ‘Let us create man in our image after our likeness….’ Genesis 1:26
If you want to know what measure we use to engage in this wider debate about what is wrong with humanity, then the measure has to be Jesus and what God has to say through his word the Bible.
Dare I suggest that if we call ourselves students of Jesus we cannot truly live justly in the world under any principles other than the Biblical standard of righteousness.
In response the church has to be the proclaimers of a different future both now and in the age to come. It’s the heart of the gospel.
1 Peter 3:15 but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
We can celebrate diversity without ignoring disparity and inequality.
Justice is coming, the Bible says that all things will be made right. Restorative justice, redemptive, reformation justice. God cares deeply about every person on this earth who faces hunger, who is discriminated against because of the colour of their skin. He cares about those ravaged by disease, war or disaster. He is the God of Justice and Justice will be served.
When Jesus looked at those who were following Him, the Bible says ‘He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd’ Matthew 9:36
Sin brought with it disparity, marginalisation, oppression, racism, incongruence and inequality. We may not have the full answer yet.
But someday God will intervene, Jesus will come again in power and glory and all the sin, suffering, death, inequality and injustices of this world will be destroyed and justice will reign. Amos 5:24 ‘Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!’
In the meantime, you and I are called to do all we can to bring help and hope to those in need. We may not be able to do everything, but we can do something—and we must.
Commit your life to Jesus and then ask Him to show you how you can make a difference in the lives of others.