Justice And Mercy
BRD REFLECTIONS
Romans 2:1-16, Psalm 121 (NIV)
(David Mok, Chairperson, Discipleship & Nurture)
READ:
Romans 2:1-16 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Our God is a righteous God. He will punish those who deserve to be punished. As Apostle Paul wrote in this chapter: “He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.” (Romans 2: 6-8, ESV). None of us can escape his judgment and we cannot hide our sins as “on that day…. God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 2:16, ESV).
However, our God is also merciful. While our God will judge all who have sinned under the law by the law, for the Gentiles who do not have the law, God will judge them by the work of the law, which is written on their hearts, with their conscience bearing witness. As such, for those who missed the chance to hear the Gospel on earth, God reserves the right to judge them.
APPLY:
Our righteous God gives us hope in this fallen world. He guarantees that all evil will be punished by him. No one will be able to get away with it. Even those who secretly sin against God and others, they will not escape too. So as much as we are on the wrong end of evildoers, we do not need to seek justice in our time, and on our terms. Our righteous God will judge in his time and on his terms. This gives us peace, patience, and forbearance.
God’s mercy on those who missed the chance to hear the Word before they perish assures me of a just God that we have. I take comfort that my good grandparents who missed the chance of hearing the Gospel on earth, will be judged by our merciful God.
DO:
In all my dealings at work and life, when I encounter injustice, I no longer need to be boiling mad. I no longer need to seek justice on my terms. My God will do it for me. Instead of looking at those who wronged me with contempt, I will attempt to replace it with love and compassion. I will attempt to pray for my enemies. I will attempt to turn the other cheek. I will attempt to accept the plundering of my property.
PRAY:
Merciful God, please forgive me for the many times I look with contempt at those who are ill-mannered, those who are shabby and dirty, and those who wronged me. Please replace my judgemental attitude with that of your loving eyes – one that has only love and mercy. I will suspend my judgement on these people and leave the judging to you. Lord, please help me to obey your teachings. In Jesus’ name I pray.
