‘Justice in The Word’ is series of short devotionals focusing on Bible passages and stories that speak of God’s desire for Justice in our societies. Written by members of the ISJC with a new instalment monthly, this series will cover a range of bible passages and social justice topics.
Saving Zacchaeus from his own corruption
Intern Adam Raine
In this devotional, ISJC Intern Adam Raine takes a look at the interaction between Jesus and Zacchaeus – highlighting the potential for redemption and restoration for perpetrators of injustice.
“Jesus disagreed with those who criticised him and instead deemed Zacchaeus worthy of time and investment.”
The Radicalness of Relationship
Dr Laurelle Smith
In this devotional, Dr Laurelle Smith takes a look at the interaction between Jesus and the Samaritan Woman –and how Jesus' actions brought justice and righteousness to a whole community.
“This woman was an outcast, the lowest of society. In the eyes of many, justice would have been to put her to death for her sins. But God’s justice is different. ”
Colonel Richard Munn
The parable of the Good Samaritan leads us to confront our ethnic prejudices and narrow social norms.
“Neighbors are important. A united neighborhood presents a powerful force with a common bond and provides a vital social network. And yet, too many neighborhoods are in conflict. ”
Major Victoria Edmonds
In the story of the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus instructed his disciples to feed the crowd who came to hear the Messiah. With only five loaves of bread and two fishes, Jesus performed a miracle that fed all who were gathered, with leftovers to spare.
“The Lord is a provider, and there are times when He gives us more than enough, just as there was at the feeding of the five thousand. What will you do when you see the hungry? Turn your head? Or will you act as Jesus did and do something?”
Intern Isabel Fairclough
Throughout Scripture, we see Jesus perform healing miracles. In fact, most of Jesus’ miracles on Earth were miracles that restored health: the healing of the blind man, healing the leper, or the paralytic whose friends lifted him up through a roof to be closer to God’s healing touch.
“As we continue to be transformed into the image of Christ, may we have the faith of the bleeding woman to continually pursue him and strive towards justice for the marginalised.”
Intern Angelica Sulit
Jesus was not an ordinary teacher. Jesus was a great teacher who drew multitudes of people to follow and listen to Him and used his teaching to demonstrate justice.
“He preached to a Samaritan. He corrected Pharisees. He taught Nicodemus, a Pharisee, the way to the Kingdom of God. He taught women. He spoke to children. He did not preach to only a select group of people but became a teacher for everyone.”
Intern Joy Ime-Sunday
In this passage of the Bible, Jesus speaks about prayer and not being discouraged, then goes on to tell a story about justice, and ends with a question about faith.
“Have you given up on helping the needy, fighting for the oppressed or seeking for a just world because of the continuous injustice you see around you? Is there an area in your life in which you have been tempted to give up on prayer? Will you accept Christ’s invitation to be resilient? ”
UN Youth Representative Kayla Calvo
It is evident that girls and women were sometimes overlooked, and often still are today. Yet, God used the women in the Bible and their circumstances to give them a voice, power and a choice.
“God used Esther’s identity and obedience to give her guidance and courage to go before the king in order to save her people. However, saving her people did not happen right away - it took time. To make change - positive and good change in the world – takes time.”
Proximity as a Way Towards Justice
IMSHTR Coordinator Priscilla Santos
Jesus is modeling how we need to listen and be near to those in need. For us to begin to understand what justice may look like for someone, we must be near those who are experiencing injustice.
“Some people may read this passage from the perspective of Jesus simply healing a sick person. But this passive reveals much more if we read it in context of the cultural setting and traditions in Jesus’ day. In Jesus’ society, women were inferior to their male counterparts. Women were second-class human being – treated unequally, stereotyped, and/or discriminated against.”