"God does justice to His people"
Introduction: God does justice to His people because He loves justice and cherishes His own. Indeed, people demand justice because they are victims of iniquity, which is absence of honesty. The justice that God gives to His people is the justification of his faith and the fulfilment of the promises He gives them. So, although the trials endured by God’s people may be severe because of injustice, God gives them reason and exonerates them, for He is the Just God (Rev 19:1) and the God of love (1 Jn 4:16). Truly, it is written: « For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his faithful ones » Ps.37:28a,b. His people are all who observe His will, do His work and trust Him. It is through His jealousy that God does justice to His people, because He is with him, He takes his side, strengthens him and makes him victorious in all his battles. Indeed, each of the men of God leads a fight, « fight of faith, » but he wins thanks to God who fights for him (Isa 49:25b), and his faith is strong, since He is « the Pioneer and Perfecter of faith » (Heb 12:2). And nothing can prevent the action of faith, for it triumphs over all things, that is, sin (1 Jn 3:9), the devil and his iniquitous works (Lk 10:19), the world and its customs (1 Jn 5:4). So, He gives all His people confidence, saying: « Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. All who are incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. […] For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you’ » Isa 41:10-11,13, which means: « I will do you justice. » It is a word that must be grasped by faith because the people of God live by faith (Heb 10:38), fight and overcome by faith (Heb.11:6). It is on the day of battle that the Lord gives justice to His own, according to Jesus’ statement: « In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world! » Jn.16:33b.
Monday, 10th: God does justice to His people.
« He will […] exalt the power of his anointed » 1 Sam 2:10c.
Reading 1: 1 Cor 1:26-31. Reading 2: 1 Sam 2:1-10. Preaching 1 (Free choice). Preaching 2: 1 Sam 2:10.
Introduction: Because of His name and His jealousy, the Lord does not allow His elected ones to be confused, but responds to them for justice. For the toil of those who serve Him is not vain (1 Cor 15:58). Indeed, He assured, « Then once more you shall see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. […] But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise » Mal 3:18;4:2a.
Tuesday, 11th: God does justice to the good-natured.
« [Walk] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love » Eph 4:2.
Reading 1: Ps 10:10-18. Reading 2: Eph 4:1-6. Preaching 1 (Free choice) Preaching 2: Eph 4:1-2.
Introduction: The Psalmist declares: « But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant prosperity » Ps 37:11. The good-natured are those who are gentle and who do not avenge evil with evil, nor curse anyone, but plead their case in the Lord of retribution, who judges and governs all things. He comforts His people unjustly treated by saying through the Psalmist: « Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will make your vindication shine like the light and the justice of your cause like the noonday » Ps 37:5-6.
Wednesday, 12th: God gives justice to the humble.
« For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted » Lk 14:11.
Reading 1: Job 42:1-10. Reading 2: Lk 14:1-11. Preaching 1 (Free choice). Preaching 2: Lk 14:11.
Introduction: Humility is a quality that is highly valued by God. The Apostle Paul affirmed about Jesus: « But emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, assuming human likeness » Phil 2:7a. God confers justice and exaltation upon the humble ones who lower themselves to give Him glory. Indeed, the Apostle Peter urged: « Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time » 1 Pet 5:6.
Thursday, 13th: God will do justice to His people who cry to Him.
« And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night […]? » Lk 18:7.
Reading 1: Isa 62:6-12. Reading 2: Lk 18:1-7. Preaching 1 (Free choice). Preaching 2: Lk 18:7.
Introduction: The complaints of His people are not contemptible to God. In olden days, He said to Moses: « The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. Now go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt » Ex 3:9-10. The Psalmist has given this assurance: « He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them » Ps 145:19. Indeed He said: « Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me » Ps 50:15.
Friday, 14th: Jesus Christ, justice for believers.
« For Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes » Rom 10:4.
Reading 1: Heb 7:20-25. Reading 2: Rom 10:1-10. Preaching 1 (Free choice). Preaching 2: Rom.10:1-4.
Introduction: Because we are all sinners, « There is no one who is righteous, not even one » Rom 3:10. This is why God the Father justified us by faith in Jesus Christ His Son so that we may win the case to His eyes (Rom 3:38) and inherit His kingdom (Rom 8:17). From then on, « Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ who died, or rather, who was raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us » Rom 8:33-34.
Saturday, 15th: God does justice to those who wait for Him.
« But those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land » Ps 37:9b.
Reading 1: Jn 16:23-33. Reading 2: Ps 37:1-9. Preaching 1 (Free choice). Preaching 2: Ps 37:8-9.
Introduction: « Waiting for the Lord » is trusting Him, trusting that He answers. He gave great assurance that whoever believes and hopes in Him will not be confused (1 Pet 2:6). He cannot be defeated or dejected, because it is written: « But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint » Isa 40:31. Jesus said:« See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me […] » Rev 22:12. In truth, He does justice to those who believe in Him.
This pericope is published weekly in Malagasy, French, English and German, and can be seen on www.hifi-madanet.org, on Facebook « HiFi – english », on Instagram (@hirasyfilazantsara) and on Twitter (@HFilazantsara). Listen to hifiradio.org: teachings, testimonies, songs… 24/24 hours, 7/7 days.
© Madanet