Topical Encyclopedia The concept of calling for divine justice is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the human longing for righteousness and the rectification of wrongs. Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to seek God's justice, trusting in His perfect wisdom and timing.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament is replete with instances where individuals and communities cry out for divine justice. The Psalms, in particular, are a rich source of such appeals. David, often pursued by enemies, frequently calls upon God to deliver justice. In Psalm 7:6, he pleads, "Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; rise up against the fury of my enemies. Awake, my God, and ordain judgment." Here, David seeks God's intervention against those who wrong him, trusting in God's righteous judgment. The prophets also echo this theme, often in the context of social injustice. The prophet Amos, for example, calls for justice to "roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" (Amos 5:24). This imagery underscores the desire for a pervasive and continuous establishment of God's justice in society. New Testament Continuation In the New Testament, the call for divine justice is seen in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. Jesus Himself speaks of justice in the context of the Kingdom of God. In the parable of the persistent widow, He illustrates the importance of persistent prayer for justice, concluding with the assurance that God "will give justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night" (Luke 18:7). The apostle Paul also addresses the theme of divine justice, particularly in his letters to the early churches. In Romans 12:19, he advises believers, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" This instruction emphasizes the believer's trust in God's ultimate justice rather than taking matters into their own hands. Theological Implications The call for divine justice is not merely a cry for retribution but a plea for the restoration of God's order. It reflects a deep trust in God's character as just and righteous. The Bible consistently portrays God as a just judge who will ultimately right all wrongs. In Revelation 6:10, the martyrs under the altar cry out, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?" This eschatological perspective assures believers that divine justice will be fully realized in God's perfect timing. Practical Application For believers today, the call for divine justice involves both prayer and action. While trusting in God's ultimate justice, Christians are also called to act justly in their own lives, reflecting God's character in their dealings with others. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this dual responsibility: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" In summary, the call for divine justice is a central theme in Scripture, inviting believers to trust in God's righteous judgment while actively pursuing justice in their own lives. Subtopics Call: To Special Religious Duty of Abraham Call: To Special Religious Duty, Call: To Special Religious Duty: Aaron and his Sons Call: To Special Religious Duty: All Who are Called of God Call: To Special Religious Duty: Amos Call: To Special Religious Duty: Apostles Call: To Special Religious Duty: Cyrus Call: To Special Religious Duty: Gideon Call: To Special Religious Duty: Jehu Call: To Special Religious Duty: Joshua Call: To Special Religious Duty: Moses Call: To Special Religious Duty: Paul Call: To Special Religious Duty: Samuel Call: To Special Religious Duty: Solomon Call: To Special Religious Duty: The Rich Young Man The Call of God by his Ministers The Call of God is from Darkness The Call of God: Addressed to All The Call of God: Blessedness of Receiving The Call of God: Effectual to Saints The Call of God: Partakers of, Justified The Call of God: Praise God For The Call of God: Rejection by God The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Delusion The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Judicial Blindness The Call of God: Temporal Judgments The Call of God: To Man Is of Grace The Call of God: To Man Is: According to the Purpose of God The Call of God: To Man Is: Heavenly The Call of God: To Man Is: High The Call of God: To Man Is: Holy The Call of God: To Man Is: To Eternal Life The Call of God: To Man Is: To Fellowship With Christ The Call of God: To Man Is: To Glory and Virtue The Call of God: To Man Is: To Holiness The Call of God: To Man Is: To Liberty The Call of God: To Man Is: To Peace The Call of God: To Man Is: To the Eternal Glory of Christ The Call of God: Walk Worthy of The Call of God: Withdrawal of the Means of Grace Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |