From: Nathan Burke — Justice–political or spiritual
We often view things through different lenses: Us vs Them, Ours vs Theirs, Secular vs Spiritual, etc.
I think the dilemma in Ukraine is not merely political but also spiritual.
Justice is first a spiritual attribute of the Kingdom of God that is then to be reflected on earth.
He has told you, mortal one, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love [d]kindness, And to walk [e]humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
Yes, doing justice and loving mercy is messy. Jesus knows. From heaven to an animal stall where he was born, to a bloody cross and a traumatic crucifixion.
“And yet…[looking] at Jesus, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…. [He] endured such hostility…so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3
Justice in Europe?
What if the USA and England has decided that confronting Hitler was just too costly, too messy. Can you imagine how a Nazi Europe would look today after 80 years of Jewish extermination? My son and I are currently reading Bonhoeffer. Hitler did not just attack the Jews or Poland, he also attacked the Christian church in his own country making it illegal for pastors of Jewish decent to serve in ministry. And many in the church accepted this!!! And things went down hill from there.
Justice for slaves?
What if America and England had decided that stopping the slave trade was bad for the economy and chose the business-as-usual route?
Without Justice, the world would look like a very different place today!
The cost of denying Justice for the Jewish people, Europe, and slaves, would be enormous now in our day, with compounded interest beyond what the mind can comprehend.
Speaking up for justice
Is the military invasion and the massacres in Ukraine just? Yes or No?
Does Russia treat its own people with justice? Their soldiers? Yes or No?
“Open your mouth for the people who cannot speak, For the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 31:8-9
Being a Christian in our era may not be easy, but it can still be joyful if we look over Jesus’ shoulder to the redemption and salvation many and we can serve with gladness along side of our God to whom Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” Matthews 6:10
Respectfully shared.
Voice of Ukraine 