Today’s devotion comes from Numbers 15:14-16.
“If an alien sojourns with you, or one who may be among you throughout your generations, and he wishes to make an offering by fire, as a soothing aroma to the LORD, just as you do so he shall do. As for the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the alien who sojourns with you, a perpetual statute throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the alien be before the LORD. There is to be one law and one ordinance for you and for the alien who sojourns with you.’” Numbers 15:14-16.
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Justice is important to the LORD. As stated in the following Scriptures, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” and “He loves righteousness and justice”. We should be eager to learn more about Justice.
“The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
Let the many islands be glad.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” Psalm 97:1-2.
“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24.
“He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.” Psalm 33:5.
“He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.
Another pillar of justice is the equal application of justice on all. As stated in today’s Scripture, “There is to be one law and one ordinance for you and for the alien who sojourns with you.’” Verse 16.
Yet, too often, we see one law applied on one group of people and another law applied on another group of people. Justice does not favor the native above the alien. Justice does not favor the powerful over the weak.
“You shall not pervert the justice due to your needy brother in his dispute. Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent or the righteous, for I will not acquit the guilty.
“You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just.
“You shall not oppress a stranger, since you yourselves know the feelings of a stranger, for you also were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Exodus 23:6-9.
“30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
And his tongue speaks justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
His steps do not slip.” Psalm 37:30-31.
So, getting back to the pillar of justice taught by today’s Scripture, which is the equal application of justice on all. As stated in today’s Scripture, “There is to be one law and one ordinance for you and for the alien who sojourns with you.’” Before we exclaim proudly, “I know that!”, thinking only that justice does not favor the rich over the poor (which is true and much more of a prevalent danger addressed by Scripture), let us consider that justice does not even favor the poor over the rich.
“nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his dispute.” Exodus 23:3.
“‘You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly.” Leviticus 19:15.
“You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. …” Deuteronomy 1:17.
“You shall appoint for yourself judges and officers in all your towns which the LORD your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 16:18-20.
“They questioned Him (Jesus), saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth.” Luke 20:21.
“For there is no partiality with God.” Romans 2:11.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 