Just
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Day 1 - All Have Sinned
When you hear the word “judge,” who do you think of? Maybe some famous judges from history like Thurgood Marshall, Sandra Day O’Connor, or Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Or maybe a judge from a TV show like Judge Judy or in a John Grisham novel? Who appears before these judges? Usually, it’s someone who did something wrong (or is accused of a crime.)
Romans says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” So, we all have to face God one day and He will judge us. The word for justice in Hebrew “mishpat” means more than just being fair in court.
When we say God is just – because He is Holy - He makes the rules. He knows everything from start to finish and right from wrong. Justice comes from God because of who He is – He is JUST. The Servant that Isaiah talks about that will bring justice to Israel and everywhere else is the Messiah – Jesus Christ. Jesus came to this world to beat sin, bring forgiveness and give us new life with Him.
I come before You, God, recognizing Your greatness and seeking Your presence in my life. Your Word speaks of a chosen Servant, a bringer of justice and light. I pray, Lord, that I may embrace the role You've called me to play in reflecting Your justice and light in this world. I admit that I've fallen short of Your glory. I am not perfect, and I need Your forgiveness and grace. Thank You for sending Jesus to bridge the gap between my imperfection and Your holiness. Help me, Lord, to walk in humility, acknowledging my need for Your forgiveness, and to extend that forgiveness to others. Thank You for the hope found in Your Word. In Jesus' name, I pray.
Amen.
Day 2 - God Can’t Overlook Sin
When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, God couldn't just let it slide. It might not seem like a big deal to us, but imagine it from God's perspective.
The Almighty, the ultimate Ruler, the Lord of everything, was betrayed by the very dust He shaped into humans. He created them with a purpose, showered them with love, and gave them free will. He warned them about the consequences.
"Please don't," He pleaded, knowing what would happen if they didn't listen. "We'll do what we want," they replied, committing high treason against the Creator. Justice required action. God couldn't just let it go. He had set rules and penalties, and breaking them needed consequences. Because God is just, He couldn't ignore the crime. But, being love too, He found a way to satisfy justice without wiping out humanity. Justice demanded death, so a substitute was brought in—a flawless animal was sacrificed instead.
Fast forward thousands of years, and justice was settled for good. God sent His own Son as our ultimate substitute. God couldn't just overlook our rebellion; that wouldn't be just. Yet, He couldn't give up on us either; that wouldn't be perfect love, so Jesus became the justice for our sin.
Thank you, God, for your love and mercy. I know that I have sinned against you, and I ask for your forgiveness. I am grateful that you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the ultimate sacrifice for my sins. Please help me to live in a way that honors you, and may I always remember the great price that was paid for my salvation. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Day 3 - His Justice is Trustworthy
Justice and righteousness are two words that are often used interchangeably, yet have very distinct meanings. Justice is like the rules of the game, while righteousness is like playing the game with honor.
God is both just and righteous, which means He always plays by the rules and always does the right thing. He’s the ultimate role model for how to live a good life.
We can trust Him because He’s always been there for us, guiding us and showing us the way. He’s got a plan for us, and it’s a good one. And He’s going to make everything right in the end, and we can’t wait for that day!
Heavenly Father, I thank you that I can trust your justice. I pray that you help me to always strive to be righteous in my actions and to depend on you instead of my own will. I trust that you have a plan for me, and I look forward to the day when you return.
Amen.
Day 4 - He Defends the Weak
God is the ultimate defender of the underdogs. In this messed-up world, it's a relief to know that He isn't just hanging out on a throne but actively standing up for those facing injustice.
God stands for justice. It's not just about punishment; it's about making all things right. From the Israelites in slavery to anyone dealing with unfair treatment, God's always been in the corner of the oppressed. And it's not some obscure idea; it's personal. God's justice is tied to His love for each of us.
So, when life gets overwhelming, remember that God sees, cares, and is actively defending the weak. In His justice, we find hope, and in His love, we get the strength to stand with those who need it most.
Dear Jesus: In this chaotic world, I find comfort in knowing You actively defend the underdogs. Your justice, rooted in love, makes things right—from who I read about in the Old Testament to those facing unfair treatment today. In overwhelming moments, I hold onto the assurance that You see, care, and actively defend the weak. In Your justice, we find hope; in Your love, strength to stand with those who need it. In your name.
Amen.
Day 5 - A Forgiving Justice
What is restorative justice? In the legal world, it refers to people who have committed a crime and helping them to patch things up with the victims and the whole community. The simplest form of restitution is a straightforward apology. Restoration means putting things back as they were, so it may include some act of remorse to demonstrate someone is truly sorry. This may include action and even extra payment to the offended party.
On the other side, there's retributive justice – the old-school way of just punishing the wrongdoers without much concern for restoration. It's like "you reap what you sow.”
Both of these are actually a biblical concept.
Peek into the Bible, and you'll see restorative justice in action. God forgives his kids when they own up to their mistakes. When we mess up, it's like breaking ties with God, but when we confess, He's all about forgiving and restoring us. In the Old Testament forgiveness came with confessing sins, sacrificing animals and following a whole list of rules, but the New Testament keeps it simpler – just confess and believe because Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Our sins deserve punishment, but Jesus took our punishment on Himself to save us from the consequences of sin and to restore us to a right relationship with God.
One day restorative justice will be fully realized. When Christ returns He will restore relationships, bodies, and even the earth. It is a great act of grace that God chooses a balance of restorative justice and retributive justice for sinners. Out of gratitude and obedience, believers should also choose restoration, redemption, and forgiveness in their relationships.
Dear God, I thank you for the concept of restorative justice. I trust that because I confess and believe, you have forgiven me for my sins and that you have restored me to a right relationship with you through the ultimate sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ. I pray that I may always choose restoration, redemption, and forgiveness in my relationships with others.
Amen.