The laws of society may contradict the Word of God and the Spirit of God, but that doesn’t change a thing in God’s mind. He hasn’t changed his standard of righteousness and holiness in respect of this issue or any other issue. God is the highest authority in the universe and as His children we look to Him alone for justice, truth and mercy.
When Jesus came to the earth, he made it clear that His Kingdom was not of this world. He came to bring change at the grass roots level, to bring change to the human heart. When hearts change, laws change. The power of the gospel is the only hope to bring change to the nations of the world. I believe this world is in such need of a mighty revival and we can appeal to the highest court for this revival.
I’m reminded of the three Hebrew children in Daniel 3 who defied the human law of their day which required that they bow down and worship the golden image which had been set up. They said to the King “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”” (Daniel 3:17-18) Their fear of breaking God’s law was greater than their fear of breaking man’s law.
These amazing young people were appealing to the highest court. They knew there was an authority far greater than the laws of their day. And because they put their trust in the justice of God; God delivered them with a tremendous display of His power. Jesus showed up in that fiery furnace and saved them.
What we need in our current day is a mighty display of God’s power. There may be times ahead for the Church where will have to make the decision to obey God or the laws of a godless political system and when that day comes we need to be reminded we can appeal to a higher court!
Jesus is the ultimate model for us in terms of appealing to the highest court. Ultimately all of the sin of humanity was being placed on him. The sinful nature of humanity rose up to crucify him, and yet “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23
Jesus knew he was innocent and that ultimately it was humanity that was guilty. There are those who seek to blame the Jews for Jesus crucifixion but no, it was your sin and mine that nailed Jesus to the Cross. He bore our punishment. He took all God’s wrath for humanity’s sin, but he also looked to the highest court for justice.
Jesus understood there was a far higher system of justice in play and God delivered Him. After three days he rose from the dead and defeated sin, death and the grave. It may seem like sin and evil is winning sometimes in our world but the Bible tells us it has been defeated already by the cross of Christ.
Today you may be being treated unjustly. Maybe you are being persecuted because of your faith. I want to encourage you to look to the highest authority in the Universe, Jesus. If you want real justice, leave it to Him.
Romans 12:19-21 says “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘it is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’
I want to remind you today, that as a believer in Jesus, you are part of a different Kingdom, you operate by a different set of rules, you have the ability to trust in the justice of Almighty God and trust that nothing gets past his watchful eye. Instead of working out how to get even, work out how to trust God will puts things right, love your enemies, bless those who curse you and leave the justice to God.
