Injustice

Micah 2:1-2

We live in a time in which it is now in vogue to speak out against "injustice". This has become a word which we are all familiar with. There are two great dangers that arise from our current climate. One is that we become crusaders who see injustice in everything. This leads to harsh language, excessive accusations, and collateral damage. On the other hand, there are those who refuse to see injustice in anything. Either they are part of the problem and do not want to address their issue, they do not consider it to be their problem, or they are so sick of hearing the word that they turn a blind eye. Both extremes are wrong and unbiblical.

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Woe to those who devise iniquity, And work out evil on their beds! At morning light they practice it, Because it is in the power of their hand. They covet fields and take them by violence, Also houses, and seize them. So they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.

Micah 2:1-2

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God hates injustice. In our passage today, there were those who were taking property from others by dishonest methods. Verse one says that these people were spending their time at night plotting and planning. This greed so consumed them that they dreamed about it at night. Then, when they awoke, they acted on their plans. They wanted what they wanted and did not care about who they hurt in the process.

A person cannot conduct himself or herself this way and be a Christian. This is completely contrary to the nature of God. This violates two of the 10 Commandments. First, the person covets their neighbor's property. Next, he steals that property by some method. Even if the act is completely legal by the world's standards, if it is obtained against the owner's will, it is theft. There is also a good possibility that other commandments will be broken as well. There will most likely be lying involved, and at times it could also include murder (like Jezebel and Naboth).

John said the following: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever" (I John 2:15-17). The people described in this passage were fulfilling the lust of the flesh; they wanted the property or house to fulfill their own pleasures. They saw the property looked appealing and so they try to satisfy the lust of their eyes (this is the same sin that Eve fell into when she saw the fruit looked appealing to her eyes to make her wise). This type of person feels entitled to get what they want by whatever means required. Thus they try to satisfy the pride of life.

The passage begins with "Woe". This indicates that judgment is eminent, and it will be painful. That is exactly what the rest of this chapter describes. God does not like injustice. He will judge those who abuse others for their own gain. Paul told the church at Philippi, "in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself" (Philippians 2:3). If you esteem someone as better than yourself, you will not do them wrong to promote yourself.

When we esteem others as better than ourselves, we cannot be the crusader who is waging war on every perceived injustice because we love and esteem those who are doing wrong. When we esteem those as better than ourselves who are being treated wrong, we will come alongside them and help them. If we are the one being done wrong, we will endure the wrong for the sake of the Gospel. We will praise God because we were counted worthy to partake in Jesus's suffering (I Peter 4:12-16). The point is that we will love.

There is a time to speak up for holiness. There is a time to act in Christian love. There is a time to endure suffering. Above all, there is a time to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus because that is truly the only thing that changes hearts. There will always be injustice in this world. The Bible tells us that. Until Jesus is reigning as King of Kings, people will use their authority to take from others. So, we must be the church. We must preach the Gospel, baptize new believers, and disciple them to be followers of Jesus.

Father, many times we cry out for judgment on those we see doing wrong. Thank You for being merciful with me. I thank You for not giving me the justice I deserved. Help me to love like You love, to speak up when You would have me to, and to endure with grace the suffering that will glorify Your Name.