When people are crushed, wronged, enslaved, raped, murdered, the Eternal is just; He makes the wrongs right. He showed Moses His ways; He allowed His people Israel to see His wonders and acts of power. The Eternal is compassionate and merciful. When we cross the lines, He is patient with us. When we struggle against Him, He lovingly stays with us - changing, convicting, and prodding.
Observation
God's justice is not like our justice. His justice is not distorted by corrupt human perception, He see's the whole picture and the hearts involved. God's nature is to exact justice that restores and repairs. When we go into a human court of law, consequences are given and maybe even money is paid out, but true restoration is never received. But God uses consequences to cleanse us from unrighteousness and make us more like Him. Both sides of the case are restored; both the crushed and the crusher are healed, transformed, and made new when God's restorative justice is involved.
Application
I cannot boast of knowing how to exact justice in a way that restores. Nevertheless, as a leader I am called to make judgements and give consequences to behavior so that Christ followers can continue to grow. These verses only prove how impossible the task is without God. He is the only One who can pull out the "win-win".
This passage also helps me be patient when I am the recipient of injustice. As much as my flesh rejects the idea that the one who hurt me should be restored, I know I am grateful for God's mercy and patience when He has dealt with me.
Prayer
Father, You alone are just. Help me to always cling to You in making decisions as a leader. Help me to continually humble myself before You, relying on Your justice. Help me to be patient as Your Spirit gently changes, convicts, and prods those who are distant from You. I seek Your justice in my life.
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