Category Archives: Justice

Bible, Condemnation, Confession, Deserved, Justice, Justified, Scripture, Sin

DESERVED CONDEMNATION

ROMANS 3:8

“And why not say (just as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), ‘Let’s do evil that good may come of it?’ Their condemnation is deserved.”

Man, these past few verses have been a tough grind. You have to back up and reread verses 1-7 of chapter 3. Context is always key. For instance, in today’s verse, if you just took out the phrase “Let’s do evil that good may come of it” you would totally pervert what Paul is teaching here. You have to look at the whole picture.

Then Paul says that those who pervert the truth he and others have been teaching are worthy of condemnation. The word for “condemnation” is kríma which, according to HELPS Word studies, is “(‘the results of a judgment’) dramatically links cause-to-effect. Indeed, every decision (action) we make carries inevitable eternal results.” We have to remember that. Our choices have consequences – every time. It could be a good one or a bad one.

APPLICATION

Paul goes so far as to say, “their condemnation is deserved.” Endikos is the Greek word translated here as “deserved.” Some translations say “just.” That’s probably a closer definition. It’s only used one other time in the New Testament in Hebrews 2:2 (I’m adding 3b to give a fuller context). “2 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every violation and act of disobedience received a just punishment, 3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?”

I quote Psalm 51:1-4 most mornings as I pray. Verse 4 carries the same idea Paul is writing here in Romans 3:8. David wrote in Psalm 51:4, “Against you, you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.” God has the right to judge our sin because He is the antithesis of sin. He is holy and righteous!

Ask yourself today if there is a sin in your life which you have become comfortable with. I can think of something right now in my life. As I write this, I am confessing it as sin and asking the Lord to cleanse me. I don’t want anything to come between the Lord and myself. I pray the same for you.

Forgive me, Lord, for taking salvation for granted and not continuing to stay “confessed up.”

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Equality, Fairness, Justice, Lord, Masters, Scripture, Slaves

JUST AND FAIR

COLOSSIANS 4:1

“Masters, grant your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”

The whole topic of slavery, which Paul has been addressing in the past few verses (3:23-25), can be confusing for us in the 21st century. Slavery has been abolished in the U.S. since December 18, 1865. There are still areas of the world, however, where slavery is practiced, whether it is legal or not. Slavery does just the opposite of what this verse is commanding – granting justice and fairness.

Paul knew he could not change the slave culture that was all around him by simply penning a letter to a church in Colossae. But he could give God’s Word to Christian masters, like Philemon, who lived there. He could point them to the justice and fairness of God in their own lives. He even says, “you also have a Master in heaven.” The Greek word for “Master” is kurios, which is often translated “Lord,” referring to God or Jesus. I believe these masters of slaves in the Colossian church got the message.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 7:21 Paul tells the Christian slaves, “Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that.” In other words, don’t rebel and lash out at your masters, but do all you can to be set free. Often slaves could earn money enough to buy themselves out of slavery. By doing this, they would have to work extra hard, which in turn would please their masters.

Paul also addresses this issue in 1 Timothy 6:1-2, where he says, “1 All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers or sisters, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.” This was obviously a contentious topic in the early church that was living in this slave culture.

So, how can we learn from this verse? Treat everyone with justice and fairness. To show justice means to do what is right in God’s eyes, not yours. And to show fairness means to treat everyone as equal. You are above no one. I believe these two truths are important in our relationships with others, whether they are believers or not. Do this to please your “Master in heaven.”

Father, You truly are my Master. I want to do all things according to Your justice and fairness.

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Accused, Battles, Bible, Consequences, Forgiveness, God's Will, Innocent, Judgment, Justice, Kindness, Relationships, Scripture

INNOCENT VICTIM

MALACHI 2:14

“Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your marriage companion and your wife by covenant.”

Not many things divide the church like the subject of divorce. Some look at divorcees as having leprosy. They are not allowed to serve in certain areas of the church. A divorced man is instantly disqualified from ministry. I could go on and on. Few people take the time to find out why that person is divorced and if they, like today’s verse talks about, are the innocent victim in their divorce.

Malachi comes down hard on these priests in today’s verse. He plainly says that the Lord has taken up the defense of these discarded wives who are the innocent victims. They had done nothing wrong. They were the victims of their husbands wanting the foreign wives. God will defend the helpless.

APPLICATION

I am reminded of the verse in Psalm 103. Verse 6 says, “The LORD performs righteous deeds and judgments for all who are oppressed.” We are not always guaranteed justice in a court of law, but in God’s court, justice always reigns. That justice may be a long time coming, but He is always right on time. He is never late in His justice.

Take a look in your own church. How many divorcees are there? How many single moms are the innocent victims of their divorce? How many single men? How many people are remarried after a divorce but are still seen as “guilty” even though they too were the innocent victim. We cannot be too quick to judge, can we?

In fact, Jesus talks a little about that. Luke 6:37 tells us, “‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.’” This comes right after the Beatitudes which most of us are familiar with. Take a few minutes and read that section of Scripture. I promise the words will encourage you.

Lord, forgive me when I judge others without knowing the whole story. Lead me to those who just need an encouraging word.

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Abiding, Bible, Calling, Commands, Following, Justice, Peace, Scripture

THE ROLE OF PRIESTS

MALACHI 2:6

“‘True instruction was in his mouth and injustice was not found on his lips; he walked with Me in peace and justice, and he turned many back from wrongdoing.’”

When I read today’s verse, I said, “Hey, I know that verse.” Malachi 2:6-7 is one of the passages we memorize as leaders with our ministry, Every Man A Warrior. In fact, this passage was one of the very ones my boss drilled me on over and over. I have pondered this passage many times, so I am thrilled to share my thoughts with you.

The Lord is still speaking in today’s verse. He is reminding the priests of their roles. They were to have true instruction in their mouth. Nothing false should come forth. They were to ensure no words of injustice should fall from their lips. They were to walk in peace and justice, and most importantly, turn many from their sins.

APPLICATION

Did you know that these duties apply to every believer? Wait a minute, Carl. We aren’t priests. Oh no? God calls you that. You are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Take a look at those expectations I just listed for the priests. Which of those would not apply to you? Speaking truth? Walking in peace and justice? Turning others from sin?

We all have the responsibility to do these things. God has given us an incredible opportunity in each of these. When someone comes to you for advice, where do you turn? There is only one true source – His Word. Point them there. When asked your opinion on a matter, make sure you are speaking justly according to His Word. Getting along with others in your daily walk is critical. And by all means, share Jesus with the lost.

We are truly God’s priests today. We have a holy calling to uphold. What a privilege it is to be given these opportunities. Allow the Lord to use you this week. Do your best to fulfill your duties as His priest in the world today.

You have given me a holy calling, Lord. I take it up freely.

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Altars, Bible, Blessing, Forgiveness, God's Will, Justice, Sacrifice, Scripture

WHAT’S ON YOUR TABLE?

MALACHI 1:12

“But you are profaning it by your saying, ‘The table of the Lord is defiled, and as for its fruit, its food is to be despised.’

I love a full table. I still have dreams of spending Thanksgiving and Christmas at my Grandma Carter’s house out in the country. There would be an army of relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins) there. And, man, the food was incredible. My Grandma knew how to fill a table with good things for us. Not to mention, her chocolate pie with 3 inch meringue on top. Woo-Wee!

These priests, however, in today’s verse were setting the wrong kind of table. “Table” here referred to the altar where the sacrifices were made. They were allowing the people to present defiled or blemished sacrifices. After all, they priests still got their portion. We should be very careful what we set before the Lord.

APPLICATION

Our “tables” need to be set daily before the Lord. Yes, Jesus paid the ultimate price as the perfect sacrifice to satisfy God’s wrath. But we still need to offer our “sacrifices” to Him. Look at Hebrews 3:15-16. “15 Through Him then, let’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips praising His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Our sacrifices don’t require us to slaughter a lamb. No, the Lamb of God has already been sacrificed for us on the cross. Now, it is our turn to offer ourselves to God. Romans 12:1 says it well. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

So, what’s on your table? What are you sacrificing to God today. He doesn’t want just a piece of you on that altar. He demands all of you. You belong to Him as His child. That is a good place to be. So, offer yourselves to Him today completely. It is indeed a sweet aroma in His nostrils.

I give my life to You today, O Lord. Here I am, all of me.

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Abiding, Allegiance, Battles, Bible, Consequences, Devil, Enemies, Fighting, God's Will, Judgment, Justice, Rebellion, Satan, Scripture

YOU HAVE TO PICK A SIDE

ZECHARIAH 14:12

“Now this will be the plague with which the LORD will strike all the peoples who have gone to war against Jerusalem; their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongue will rot in their mouth.”

I have mentioned before my two experiences with stem cell transplants. Both times I had chemotherapy which is horrible. I was blessed in that I did not have to take it long term. But each time I went to have a treatment I would see other patients who were not so lucky. They were skeletons, having lost so much weight. They had no hair, and their eyes were sunk back into their heads. Each time I saw them I would say a prayer for their healing.

Why do I tell that story? Well, it’s the closest thing I have ever seen to the description in today’s verse. This plague put on the enemies of Jerusalem is consistent with the effects of a nuclear bomb on the human body. I am not saying that is what will happen. God doesn’t need a bomb. He has the power to inflict any damage He desires on His enemies. This is probably one of the worse judgment scenes in the Bible. What a horrible consequence of using their mouth to blaspheme and their eyes to lust after Israel.

APPLICATION

Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Why would I quote this verse? Because while we were sinners, we were His enemies. We were enemies of the cross, as Paul says in Philippians 3:18. “For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even as I weep, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ,”

Whose side are you on? God’s or man’s? God’s or the devil’s? That is what it amounts to. In past wars on earth there have been nations that remained neutral, out of the fight. There will be no neutral ground in this final battle. You cannot remain neutral. You must choose a side.

I love the verse in Joshua that reads, “‘But if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served, which were beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.’” (Joshua 24:15) How about you?

Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to be on Your side. I want to serve in Your army.

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Abiding, Belief, Bible, Comfort, Deliverance, Justice, Righteousness, Scripture, Truth

HE WILL BE OUR GOD

ZECHARIAH 8:8

“‘“and I will bring them back and they will live in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness.”’”

I was raised in church. My family attended every Sunday when I was growing up. It’s just what you did. If you didn’t go to church, then you didn’t fit into the community. It didn’t matter whether you went to the Baptist church or Methodist church or whatever. You just needed to be in church. However, I knew many people (myself included) who did that but did not live like they knew God or that He was their God.

Here in verse 8 of chapter 8, Zechariah finishes God’s fifth promise in this chapter by saying that they will be His people and He will be their God. How consoling! The people probably felt protected once again. God had welcomed them home with open arms. They were secure in His embrace. They had been redeemed from exile to return to their resting place.

APPLICATION

Is God your God? Well, of course, Carl. I pray that is true. I pray you know Him fully. Jeremiah 9:24 says, “‘but let the one who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises mercy, justice, and righteousness on the earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.” It is interesting that the last part of today’s verse and this verse in Jeremiah include the same references to righteousness and truth (justice).

Why is that important? Why is it important that we recognize God as the God of righteousness and truth? Because without that, anything goes. There is only one right thing and one truthful thing. I was watching an old episode of “Touched By An Angel” on tv recently where one of the characters was a shady lawyer who bent the truth to get what he wanted. You can’t bend what is right. You can’t shade the truth.

We serve a God today who promises us the same thing He promised the Israelites in Zechariah’s day. He will be our God in truth and righteousness. That is made possible through His Son, Jesus. 1 John 5:12 says it clearly. “He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.” Isn’t that what you want?

I am so thankful You are my God in truth and righteousness. Help me live in the same way.

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Abiding, Bible, Compassion, Friends, Justice, Kindness, Neighbors, Obedience, Scripture

HOW TO TREAT OTHERS

ZECHARIAH 7:9

“This is what the LORD of armies has said: ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother;’”

We have all heard about the “Golden Rule.” You know, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I have to admit – that is easier said than done. It is easy when dealing with a kind person. But when you have to deal with a real troublemaker, that is a little bit harder. These words in today’s verse really are convicting.

Zechariah pulls from Ezekiel and some other prophets and complies this list from the Lord. He says to show justice, kindness (mercy) and compassion. Easy enough, right? Wrong! But these are the Lord’s words, not Zechariah’s. It is God who is telling us how to treat others. Obviously, this was not being done by all the people. They needed a reminder.

APPLICATION

Jesus told us in Matthew 22 how to treat our neighbors. In verse 39 He says, “‘The second is like it, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”’” This comes from Leviticus 19:18 which reads, “‘Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your own people. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.’”

It both cases, this is the Lord speaking – Jesus and God. Just like in Zechariah, God is giving us direction on how to treat our neighbors. Treat them right (justice). Show them mercy. The Hebrew word here is hesed, which is a key word in regards to our relationship with God. And also show them compassion. This is a tender love often used to describe a mother’s love for her child.

Just this week I told my wife that I wanted to get to know our neighbors better. And now I read this verse. Coincidence? I don’t think so. I haven’t done a very good job of doing these three things to my neighbors. Will you pray that I will be able to do that better? I will pray that you can also.

Show me how to show justice, mercy and compassion to my neighbors, Lord.

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Authority, Bible, Heaven, Justice, Kingdom, Kings, Scripture, Witnessing

PRIEST AND KING

ZECHARIAH 4:14

“Then he said, ‘These are the two anointed ones, who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth.’”

I have had a lot of titles in my ministry career. I have been a Director, a Social Worker, a Vice President and many more. I have loved most, if not all, my positions of ministry. Each gave me a purpose and drive. My current title of International Coach and Prayer Coordinator for Every Man A Warrior is a joy. This two-fold title suits me perfectly at this time in my ministry career.

So, who are these “two anointed ones” mentioned in today’s verse? Some scholars believe that are supposed to represent Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and Joshua, the High Priest. Others believe they are symbolic of Jesus as Priest and King, two titles that He fulfilled in His coming. Some even think these are the same two people who are called the two witnesses in Revelation 11:3. We don’t really know, but we can be assured that they represent our Father in heaven.

APPLICATION

How does this verse apply to us? It is because Jesus is our High Priest and King that we can even look at these truths in God’s Word. He opens our eyes and ears to see these words of life. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God right now, interceding on our behalf. Whoever these “two anointed ones” are, they are a part of God’s messengers to us.

Right now in the heavenlies there is a war going on for the souls of men. Because we have a High Priest and King in Jesus, we can rest assured that the battle is won by Him. He is the ultimate authority. He is the overarching ruler.

I can’t say it any better than the author of Hebrews. In 4:14-16, he writes, “14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.”

Thank You, Lord, for fulfilling all prophecy. Thank You for being our King and High Priest.

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Accused, Advocate, Angels, Bible, Consequences, Denial, Guilt, Innocent, Judgment, Justice, Redemption, Scripture

THE ACCUSER

ZECHARIAH 3:1

“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right to accuse him.”

I hate to be accused of something, whether I did it or not. If I did it, the accusation brings shame. If I didn’t do it, it goes against my flesh. I want to respond. As my grandma used to say, “I get plum riled up.” I have been accused by the best of them, too. Some of those accusers were right, and I was wrong. For those accusations I justly deserved my consequences. But how do you handle those wrong accusations?

As we begin chapter 3, Zechariah has another vision. This time the angel shows him Joshua, the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. And we also find Satan, the great prosecutor, right beside him to make his accusations. Joshua was guilty of not rebuilding the temple as he should. He and Zerubbabel had given in to the people’s apathy. So, how will the angel of the Lord deal with this accusation? You will have to come back over the next few days to see that.

APPLICATION

The important question for today is how this verse applies to me. If you don’t know it already, Satan is our great accuser.

Revelation 12:10 tells us, “…the one who accuses them before our God day and night.” 1 Peter 5:8 describes him this way. “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” So, what hope do we have? How can we defend ourselves against these accusations.

Look at the first part of Revelation 12:10. “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down,…” Praise God! Hallelujah! Satan has already been defeated. We have victory in Jesus.

I have been declared forgiven in the high court of heaven. This wasn’t because of anything I have done, however. As Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9. “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” So, bring it on, Satan! Jesus has got this!

Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever. He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood.

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