Scripture – “May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them— this is the glory of all his faithful people. Praise the Lord.”
Psalms 149:6-9 NIV
Observation – God is perfect. He is perfectly merciful and perfectly just. As followers of Jesus we are to reflect his character. There is a time for mercy but there is also a time for justice. These verses tell us that it is the glory of God’s faithful people to carry out justice for evildoers.
Application – What causes people to refrain from maintaining justice in the areas in which they have authority? If you are a parent or supervise people at work there are rules that govern conduct and expectations set for performance and behavior. Often times we let things go or “bend” the rules so that we don’t damage the relationship or we think to ourselves, “I make mistakes too” and we don’t address the transgression. Maybe we have tried in the past and it hasn’t gone well so we avoid it. God has commanded us to maintain justice and fear of man will prevent us from obeying God. If you are guilty of this confess it to God and ask for wisdom to obey.
Prayer – Lord help us to put in the work up front to accurately explain expectations, consequences and rewards so that when we carry out your will it isn’t a surprise. Amen.
What are you doing? Do it better 