Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8, ESV
We often feel like we should enact justice, but God moves in us to love others with His love. Sometimes this involves using us to bring justice, but we are reminded that He paid the price for justice and will return to fulfill all justice against wickedness.
Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?
Isaiah 40:13-14, ESV
At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.
Our sins have stacked up to heaven, deeper and more vile than we could know.
Sin is rebellion against the character of God.
And we think we can tell God what is good? What justice and goodness are? That we know better what God’s character and will are?
Who do we think we are? Why do we think we understand God’s creation and character better than He does when He has revealed it through HisbWord by His prophets and apostles?
And this is what the prophets, including John the Baptist, were telling us.
“Repent! Stop your foolish thinking, and turn from your sin! The kingdom of God is at hand, and you think you can judge your Creator? Prepare for His coming, now!”
But we still try to justify our sin, correct God on His justice, and fix His revelation.
Yet, God came to us, showing us the depth of our misunderstanding of sin, revealing His character in person, and taking on Himself the justice we deserved.
We therefore prepare ourselves by admitting we don’t understand as much as we think we do, turning to the Word and trusting the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of Christ to us.
May we seek the Lord who took on the just punishment we deserved, preparing ourselves by seeking His revelation.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9:6-7, ESV
At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.
We may do horrible things to ourselves, to each other, and against God.
We tend to commit so many injustices against each other, to seek manufactured kindness and perceived justice that still harms others, even intentionally.
Yet, God came to show us His kindness, the depths of His justice and love, using our horribleness and injustice to redeem us as our Savior and King.
His Kingdom is growing in this world, but there is still much work to be done.
Our mighty God is destroying strongholds and bringing peace to individuals and groups.
He became one of us here onthe earth, being born in the natural way, but He is currently reigning from Heaven. He has sent His Counselor to live in and through us to spread His rule across the globe and time.
We have failed time and again, yet He works in and through us – the redeemed of the Lord – to bring about righteousness.
So we do not lose heart in this broken and wicked world, rather we join with our Lord in zealously seeking those whom will be saved and ushering in the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.
May we seek the Lord who works in us to spread His kindness and grace and justice.
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Amos 5:24, ESV
On our own, we seek our own glory and rightness.
Yet, when we confess our need for the Savior – the justice brought at the cross and the righteousness only given in Christ – we are changed to seeking God’s glory by His standard.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!