God's justice is without harm
JOE MILLER JR.
Isaiah 42:1-9

Joe Miller Jr. is pastor of First United Methodist Church in Newton.

Do you remember the old time Westerns that used to be on TV? Gunsmoke began with Marshall Matt Dillon in a fast draw contest, and The Rifleman began with Lucas McCain firing off 13 rounds in rapid succession.

Each week these peace loving characters usually dispatched at least one bad guy while waxing philosophically about peace, justice, and other assorted attributes of life. This romanticized view of the late 1800's tried to make the case for the establishment of justice in the towns of the old West. Justice was a Colt 45 "peacemaker" or a modified Winchester rifle.

The theme song of the Disney show entitled Texas John Slaughter began with the following words: "Texas John Slaughter made 'em do what they oughta, 'cause if they didn't they'd die..." Hence, we perceive 'justice' as removing those who violate certain norms.

We could enter a philosophical discussion concerning who sets the norms; what punishment should be meted out; whether punishment is a deterrent to breaking the norms; and who gets to mete out the punishment. This scripture transcends all the arguments.

The servant who is obedient to God will implement justice without even harming a bruised reed or quenching a dimly lit wick. In other words, justice is to be implemented without harming anyone; especially those who are already oppressed (in prison).

The servant of God will not use a six-shooter or any other weapon, but will go about this task with quiet perseverance.

God's perception of justice is universal. No one group is favored over another, and true justice is not revenge of one against another. What is just for America is also just for England, Iraq, Pakistan, and so on.

The servant of God is called upon to be a light to the nations. That means that those who have learned and embody God's justice must exemplify that justice to bring others into God's justice.

As fallible humans, implementing God's justice is very difficult. We want justice for ourselves but not others. That is why Christ came into the world… to bring God's justice to us. Jesus Christ modeled God's justice for us and empowers us to be just.

Email me at newtonfumc@ yahoo.com with your thoughts.