Sermon Notes | 1.8.23
Jesus & Justice
The Pursuit of Justice
Isaiah 42:1-4
Mishpat. Mishpat. Mishpat.
rectifying and restorative
He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, he lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves those who live justly. The LORD watches over the immigrant and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. – Psalm 146:7-9
[9] “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. [10] And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God. – Leviticus 19:9-10
We should not be as much afraid of becoming dominated by the “social gospel” as we should be of neglecting the social aspects of the gospel. There is no way we can preach an authentic gospel of grace and at the same time ignore the social responsibility of the church to show that grace in human relationships. – Hassell Bullock
The Posture for Justice
Isaiah 42:2-3
He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
How do you walk into a room?
look at you > look at me
[28] Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
The Provision for Justice
Isaiah 42:4
Falter and discouraged match the corresponding words in verse 3. The Servant comes right into the human situation. The things that crush and quench he will experience, but he will triumph and succeed in ‘establishing’ justice, the revelation of God, on earth. – Alec Motyer
[5] But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5
Our Participation in Justice
Will you be woven in?
…to “do justice” means to go to places where the fabric of shalom has broken down, where the weaker members of societies are falling through the fabric, and to repair it. This happens when we concentrate on and meet the needs of the poor. How can we do that? The only way to reweave and strengthen the fabric is by weaving yourself into it. Human beings are like those threads thrown together onto a table. If we keep our money, time, and power to ourselves, for ourselves, instead of sending them out into our neighbors’ lives, then we may be literally on top of one another, but we are not interwoven socially, relationally, financially, and emotionally. Reweaving shalom means to sacrificially thread, lace, and press your time, goods, power, and resources into the lives and needs of others. – Tim Keller, Generous Justice
A Prayer for Salvation
“Heavenly Father, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but through your Son Jesus I can be more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you that he lived the life I should have lived and paid the debt and punishment I owed. Receive me now for his sake. I turn from my sins and receive him as Savior. Amen.”