Justice And Glory Of God
BRD REFLECTIONS
Genesis 45 & Psalm 45 (NIV)
(Justin Ong, Chairperson of Mandarin Ministry)
READ:
Genesis 45:6-7 (NIV)
[6] For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. [7] But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Psalm 45:6 (NIV)
[6] Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
OBSERVE:
The story of Joseph shows the extent of human wickedness, our universal sinful nature.
Joseph’s brothers were very bitter. Their father Jacob favoured Joseph, and they felt unjustly treated. They saw Joseph as the problem and they plotted to kill him. In God’s sovereign plan, they changed their minds after intervention from Reuben, and sold Joseph as a slave. Joseph ended up in Egypt, and after several turns of dramatic events, became the prime minister of Egypt. He had absolute authority to handle the 7 years of famine God foretold via Pharaoh’s dreams.
Unlike his brothers, Joseph did not habour ill feelings. This was because God was with him and he was filled with His love, joy and peace. As Joseph submitted to God’s will, God’s glory was fully revealed in Joseph’s life in his darkest hours.
Secular justice is about punishing acts of injustice. God’s justice is different. It is about letting go of feelings of injustices in our heart, letting go of bitterness, moving out of darkness, and entering His kingdom of light. This way we can become conduits of His glory to fulfil His sovereign plan.
APPLY:
How do we respond to injustices inflicted upon us as well as to the world?
Paul reminded us in
Romans 12:17-18,21 (NIV)
[17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
[18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
We are contemporary Josephs. Are we willing to be conduits of God’s justice and glory to people who are living in darkness and suffering?
DO:
I am wonderfully made in the image of God. I will let God be enthroned in my heart so that I will not be troubled by injustices but will seek His justice and glory.
PRAY:
Sovereign and mighty Lord, please forgive me for being troubled by so many injustices and tribulations around me and in the world. These easily shake my faith and hope. You are my refuge and strength, my ever-present help in times of trouble. Once again, I invite You into my heart and be the Lord of my life. I will seek Your justice and glory only. In Jesus’ most precious name I pray, Amen!
