God's Kind of Justice

The nations have fallen into the pit they dug for others. They have been caught in their own trap. The Lord is known for his justice. The wicked have trapped themselves in their own snares. The wicked will go down to the grave. This is the fate of all the nations who ignore God. For the needy will not be forgotten forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed. Psalm 9: 15-18 NLT

For all our political opinions and theories, God is much more interested in the poor and the needy. Ideologies, military might, economic power and ecological standards pale in comparison to feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and providing shelter for the homeless. When justice is mentioned, the bible does not speak of gender or racial equality.  The bible is about the real needy and those who have nothing no matter their race or sexual orientation.

But we Americans still don't get this. We are so focused on rights and equal pay, government by the people and what organizations are getting federal subsidies. Just last month in my own community, the local food pantry served 61 people in a couple of hours on one day. Food for 61. In just a few hours.

How many people are going hungry in your community?

Are there homeless living a few blocks from you (you would be surprised if you don't think they are)?

What can you do to clothe those who need it?

God, we are so self-absorbed. We forget whose cries you hear on an hourly basis. We are ashamed that we have forgotten the poor and the needy. May we be instruments of your kind of justice. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2011 Amelia G. Sims