DEAL WITH INJUSTICE ACCORDING TO THE NEW COVENANT

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”—Matthew 6:33

 

The people living under the Old Covenant had some very straight guidelines for dealing with injustices.  For example, kidnapping was punishable by death, as was cursing your mother or father.  Sorcery was punishable by death, mistreatment of a stranger was not permitted, and if someone borrowed anything from their neighbor who was not present when it became injured or died; restitution was expected.  It was taught “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe” (Exodus 21-22). 

 

Under the New Covenant the guidelines for injustices are different than the Old Covenant’s.  Jesus taught “You have head that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also” (Matthew 5:38-39).  He taught that we are to love our enemies and bless the people who curse us.  Furthermore, we are instructed not to curse, and if someone forces us to go one mile we are to walk with that person two miles, and many other things (Matthew 5-8). 

 

Patrick Wood told how he was driving down a road one day and a big truck carrying a boat careened into his lane.  His reaction was to veer out of the path of the truck; he narrowly missed hitting the large boat motor which would have went through his windshield instantly killing him.  Thinking that he had somehow missed everything and that his life would be spared, he did not see the ditch, utility poles, and lake.  His car hit the utility poles which halted his car from plunging into the lake.  Miraculously, there was not a scratch on Patrick’s body, but his car was a total loss.  However, the guy driving the truck fled the scene of the accident leaving no evidence that he was the cause of the accident.  Patrick said that he felt, “humanly helpless,” and that was when he brought his case before God.  He based his prayer petition on Matthew 6:33 saying something like this, “Father, You said that if I seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness my needs would be provided.  Now as far as I can tell, I’ve met my responsibility on that, obeying Your voice instead of the worlds.  Now, if I am mistaken, let me know, but please give me justice and a car.” 

 

One week after Patrick prayed the authorities phoned him and told him that a woman had witnessed the accident and followed the man who caused the accident.  She wrote down his license plate number.  Shortly after receiving the first call, his church called and said that someone had a car that they wanted to donate to him. Justice and a car had come to Patrick. 

 

Likewise, our needs are met when we heed Jesus’ instruction.  Essential to seeking God’s kingdom and experiencing its “terms of provision” is obeying the One seated on its throne.  Confident that you are living this way, take comfort in His power to provide, be assured of His desire to do so, and place your trust in Him.  You will not be disappointed.

 

Prayer—Father I repent for the times that I have sought my own justice instead of Yours, and I ask You to forgive me.  Today I look to You for Your justice and provision in my life, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.