Injustice: January 24, 2013

TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY JANUARY 24, 2013

INJUSTICE

DEFINITION:

The quality or fact of being unjust or unfair.

SCRIPTURE:

Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Habakkuk 1:3.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

“IT IS JUST NOT FAIR!” This was usually the response we would hear from our children after we had not ruled in their favor in settling one of the disputes they had with a sibling. We did have rules and we did discipline our children, but we always tried to be fair and just with any necessary punishment. Our children didn’t always see it our way and they always thought they were right and everyone else was wrong.

Unfortunately, there is injustice in this sinful world and the fact is that “life is unfair.” All around us we see injustice, and even our children see it. They see other children getting away with things that they know are wrong. Every day we see people who are living corrupt lives and breaking God’s commandments. Sometimes we think they are getting away with their evil deeds and are prospering in them. Nothing bad ever seems to happen to them. And it is very difficult not to question why God allows those who do evil to prosper and get away with it. It does seem so unfair, especially when we see Christians going through rough times while striving to live a Godly life.

We cannot help but question why God allows those who do evil go unpunished and why is there so much injustice in life.

Habakkuk, who was a prophet of God, had that same question. He took his question directly to God asking Him, “Why do you make me look at injustice?” and “Why do You tolerate wrong?” Habakkuk lived in Judah during the reign of King Jehoiakim. II Kings 22:37 describes Jehoiakim as a man who did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Under his rule the people of Judah, although they were God’s chosen people, had turned away from God to worship idols. Habakkuk describes them as corrupt, violent and so lawless that injustice prevailed. Habakkuk could not understand why God did not punish them.

God answered Habakkuk and told him that punishment was on the way but it would come in God’s perfect timing. The Lord tells Habakkuk, “Though it linger, wait for it, it will certainly come and I will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:36) This prophecy that God gave Habakkuk was fulfilled when Babylon invaded Judah three times, completely destroying Judah and carrying the people off to exile in Babylon.

God is sovereign and He carries out His plans when and how He chooses. He is a merciful God who wants everyone, even the vilest of sinners to come to repentance and accept His gift of salvation by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. God will delay His judgment to give sinful man every opportunity to turn to Him. So when you see a person doing evil and prospering, be certain his time will come in God’s perfect timing. Until then there will be injustice and life will continue to be unfair.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Galatians 2:20.

I have been crucifies with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

PRAYER:

Father, I thank You that You are in control and that even when I cannot understand the injustice I see in the world around me, You are at work to accomplish Your purpose to bring a sinful world to repentance. Thank You that You are faithful to Your promises and that all those who repent and accept Jesus as their Savior will have eternal life.