This is Not Justice

This is Not Justice

by Wendy Elizabeth Middleton

Let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the people with equity. Psalm 97:9

Following my reading plan I read Psalm 97 on May 27th.

Justice
How many of us found ourselves condemning the looters when we should have been condemning murder? This is not Justice.

How many of us would have joined a peaceful protest but were, instead, forced to seek shelter from rioters? This is not Justice.

Equality
How many of us realize that the words that we have said and the actions that we have taken will be judged? This is Equality.

How many of us realize that we will stand before God in equity, not black or white, but human? This is Equality.

Mercy
How many of us will be forgiven for what we have thought and said and done over the last few days? This is Mercy.

How many of us can see beyond the actions of a few to the heartfelt misery of the many? This is Mercy.

Misery Loves Company
When we hurt we want others to hurt. – This is natural.

But the laws of Moses were meant to limit the blood lust of the People of God. NO MORE THAN an Eye for an Eye. – This is justice.

Spreading the misery only increases the pain. – This is truth.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy,’ but I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-44 – This is healing.

I do not know what it is like to be a black man in America today. 

I do know that if we cannot stand together nothing will change. 

I do know that fear enrages and transforms anger into vengeance. 

And I know that prayer enables and transforms righteous anger into justice.

Simple – Ain’t – Easy
But when all is said and done
It’s worth it
Wendy