Street Justice

 

streetjustice copy

My heart is torn and perplexed with difficult thoughts today. I wonder what would happen if George Zimmerman or Trayvon Martin's family decided to pay my small town church this coming Sunday. How could I minister to their hurts, fears and sorrow... to their sense of loss? Then a harder question comes to mind...

What if they both showed up?

God's view of justice (I believe) is connected to reconciliation and forgiveness. This is what He offers us... if we have accepted that offer, then we must have the same viewpoint of the Father.

We can’t fix injustice with a Twitter barrage, a Facebook/blog/column post or even a sermon. All the Protests, demonstrations, and public rants combined may focus attention or even help force political/governmental change… but it can’t reconstruct injustice. Social outrage can point out causes out and name culprits, but it’s powerless to evoke legitimate change.

Only a heart change can do that.

Many in this country today are looking for street justice… I say, lets give it to them. Let’s take the Gospel message to the street, to our neighborhoods schools and workplaces. Let’s bring the heart of the Messiah Jesus into our communities and all the places our life touches. Through Christ change is possible, powerful transformation is His Good News that brings justice into reality.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.

Until our hearts are totally consumed with love for God, we remain ineffective in producing what He has told us is good. To do, love and walk according to His heart depends on Him filling me with Himself… that takes my daily surrender. My goal is not fixing anything or anyone… it’s to please Him

So what do I, a 57 year-old, white dude, take to the street?

Not an agenda, not a political stance, not a sermon… only a heart that follows Him.

 

Comments

Dusty Rayburn said…
Amen!


We've been studying Job lately. In the last chapter (42), Job is not restored until after he forgives and intercedes on behalf of his friends who had offended and accused him of wrong.


Restoration begins with forgiveness. We are not forgiven unless we too forgive.
Jay Cookingham said…
Thank God for the justice of forgiveness! Thanks Bro'!
Bill (cycleguy) said…
Good message Jay. i totally agree. Tragically, for some the only justice comes at the barrel of a gun or some other form of violence. Pray for peace in jerusalem? How about right here?
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Bill...I want to be an agent of reconciliation and praying for peace is a good way to start.
floyd said…
Good message and heart, Jay. When people cross the line, and most of us have, there is always consequences. It breaks my heart to know of all the people that have crossed the line of hate and revenge in their hearts that will only poison and eventually destroy them. Hard not to be subject to the flesh in difficult times...
Phil said…
You've put to words how I've felt about this situation. My heart is broken for how much hate is being spewed back and forth. We need the love , grace, and mercy of the Father to be demonstrated more and more. Well written Jay
I continue to be amazed at God's ability to forgive. While we can have all the opinions we want, it will always be about His forgiveness, His mercy and His HEART. Thanks for posting this.
Jay Cookingham said…
I'm amazed as well brother...His grace overwhelms me.
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Phil...those who have been reconciled and redeemed need to be agents of the same grace!
Jay Cookingham said…
Tru Dat bro'...we should only cross the line to reach people for the Kingdom. Anything else is fruitless.
Rick Dawson said…
"Not an agenda, not a political stance, not a sermon… only a heart that follows Him."


Agendas dissolve into chaos. Politics? Sorry - I didn't mean to laugh, but you made a funny :) Sermons *may* change a heart short term, but only Christ can make that change permanent.


Good post, Jay!
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Rick...love to make you chuckle dude!
Rick Dawson said…
You succeeded there beyond your wildest dreams :)
Michael Kimball said…
"Anyway, you should speak and act as men who will be judged by the law of freedom. The man who makes no allowances for others will find none made for him. Mercy may laugh in the face of judgment." James 2:12-13 J.B. Phillips

I'm with you, Jay. Oh, for a Christ-like heart!!
Jay Cookingham said…
Mercy goes hand-in-hand with justice... and thank God for His! Bless ya bro'!

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