DAY 1 - Justice Begins with God | Firm Foundation Devotional
It is important to retrain your thinking to always view justice in light of God's righteousness. In the Bible, the words justice and righteousness are often used interchangeably and they are usually related in meaning.
One of the Hebrew words for justice (מִשְׁפָּט Strong's H4941) is defined as: Seat of judgment, procedure, decision (of judgment), and execution (of judgment).
Another word often translated for justice (צְדָקָה Strong's H6666) is defined as: Righteousness (as of God's attribute). Rightness, righteousness (as ethically right), righteous acts.
In the King James Version and the New International Version of the Bible, we will read Psalms 89:14 to demonstrate the related meanings of the words justice, righteousness, and judgment.
Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. (Psalms 89:14 KJV)
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. (Psalms 89:14 NIV)
Notice the words used between the translations:
KJV Justice = NIV Righteousness
KJV Judgment = NIV Justice
It is essential to think of justice in relationship to righteousness. As we focus on our walk with God, Biblical justice involves God’s expectations for believers in Christ. Through His grace, He expects us to live a certain way among the community of believers and then to reflect His righteous Character to the larger society.
In summary, justice is not what we expect of others, it is what we expect of ourselves as Christ Followers. From that place, we can positively truly impact our community and world.
Reflection Question: Based on your reading and the Scripture, how do you understand the foundations of justice?
My Action Item(s) Based on Understanding:
Another word often translated for justice (צְדָקָה Strong's H6666) is defined as: Righteousness (as of God's attribute). Rightness, righteousness (as ethically right), righteous acts.
In the King James Version and the New International Version of the Bible, we will read Psalms 89:14 to demonstrate the related meanings of the words justice, righteousness, and judgment.
Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. (Psalms 89:14 KJV)
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. (Psalms 89:14 NIV)
Notice the words used between the translations:
KJV Justice = NIV Righteousness
KJV Judgment = NIV Justice
It is essential to think of justice in relationship to righteousness. As we focus on our walk with God, Biblical justice involves God’s expectations for believers in Christ. Through His grace, He expects us to live a certain way among the community of believers and then to reflect His righteous Character to the larger society.
In summary, justice is not what we expect of others, it is what we expect of ourselves as Christ Followers. From that place, we can positively truly impact our community and world.
Reflection Question: Based on your reading and the Scripture, how do you understand the foundations of justice?
My Action Item(s) Based on Understanding:
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