God does not turn a blind eye to injustice. To my shame, I can wrongly assume that if justice isn’t served immediately, justice won’t be served at all. As a result, I mistake God’s grace or patience as “looking the other way” when a sin is committed against Him or His creation. I am wrong. God does not “look the other way” when we sin or are sinned against. He doesn’t let anything slip through the cracks. Surely, there is no statute of limitations with God.
Next time you question His goodness (or His seemingly slow timing) remember this. God is our judge; we are not His. Indeed, it is sinful for us to judge Him. He is slow to anger, but this does not mean He will let sin and evil prevail.
Consider this terrifying section of verses out of Isaiah. Notice how He makes multiple comments about how no one was with Him, He looked but no one helped. We need to repent of thinking we care more about justice than God does.
A Closer Look
“’Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, proclaiming victory, mighty to save.” Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress? “I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing.
It was for me the day of vengeance; the year for me to redeem had come. I looked, but there was no one to help, I was appalled that no one gave support; so my own arm achieved salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me. I trampled the nations in my anger; in my wrath I made them drunk and poured their blood on the ground.’” — Isaiah 63:1-6 (NIV)
God doesn’t look the other way when we sin, it’s just that He’s already dealt with it. Our sin doesn’t magically disappear just because “God is love”. In truth, our sin killed the Son of God. However, because God really is love, He willingly died for us and offered salvation.
Above all, we can take comfort in the promise that Jesus Christ’s atoning death on the cross saved us from His terrifying and perfect wrath. His Resurrection gives us assurance and hope. Consequently, we have an eternal future to worship Him in resurrected bodies that aren’t burdened by sin — bodies that don’t break down or wear out. All because He loved us enough to demand justice.
In awe,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor