They say that justice is blind, but recent research suggests that justice likes to snack as well! In 2010, a team of researchers tracked the rulings of eight judges during 1,100 parole-board hearings over 10 months. Nearly 65 percent of the prisoners were granted parole during hearings held right after the judges had eaten breakfast. Over the next few hours, the chances of getting a favorable parole hearing plummeted. But the prisoners’ chances of parole increased to 65 percent again after the judges’ mid-morning snack or lunch.
Let’s face it; human justice is flawed. So it’s good to know that the God of the universe doesn’t base His rulings on having had mid-morning snacks or lunch.
The psalmist called for all people to praise God’s awesome and great name, for He’s the Creator of the universe—the One exalted above the nations (Psalm 99:3). They were to praise His name because He is Lord and King and is sovereign in His rule over the world. But not only were they to praise Him because of His sovereign ways, but also because He is righteous and just in His judgment of humanity.
The Lord loves justice, has established fairness, is perfectly righteous, and is the source of impartial and unbiased judgments (Psalm 99:4-5). No matter the time of day, God is wholly absorbed with what’s right.
Through Jesus, we’re recipients of God’s righteousness. No matter the time of day, we can live out His just and merciful ways by His power. May we seek His strength and courage to defend the weak, vindicate those who have no human champions, and be wholly absorbed with doing what’s right in our world where justice is flawed. Justice received is justice shared. No snack required.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 15:32–16:12
More:
Read Matthew 25:34-36 and James 2:17 to see the marks of someone who is just.
Next:
Besides living in a fallen world, what are some other reasons why human justice is flawed? What are some specific ways you can think, speak, and behave justly this week?
Gary Shultz on July 21, 2015 at 6:48 am
I have to say that as soon as I saw the picture, I scrolled down to see who was making me hungry again, and as I suspected the Williams Food Bandit was at it again…….. Sticking to the subject, I wish justice was at a better level; however, we see it swiftly turning the other way. Yes, as in the “next” section the real question is what are we going to do about it? To live justly in an unjust culture. To walk with integrity, but yet to show compassion. I think you were there, by helping those treated unjustly, those who justice ignored and to honor those who exhibit justice as their duty. Thanks, I’m going for breakfast now.
Tom Felten on July 21, 2015 at 11:44 am
Marvin, what an awesome calling it is to bring God’s justice to the broken spheres of this world! May we seek to extend His mercy, grace, and compassion to those in need today.
daisymarygoldr on July 21, 2015 at 12:52 pm
Human justice is flawed because it depends on human witnesses that sometimes will lie even under oath.
God’s justice is perfect because He is all knowing. He needs no jury or witness. He Himself sees every hidden thought and act (Hebrews 4:12-13).
We can show divine justice by bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to the defenseless, downtrodden and outcasts of society… so they too will know the only just God (Isaiah 45:21) and are saved.
Regina Franklin on July 21, 2015 at 2:19 pm
Good word, Marvin. As a teacher, I understand all too well that my assessments can often be colored by my emotions. Many have been the times I have read and reread essays to make sure my standards have been impartial. Even using assessment tools, such as a grading rubric, cannot override my potential for human error. I was just reading Proverbs 20: 10 this morning (False weights and unequal measures–the LORD detests double standards of every kind). Our tendency toward inconsistency is all the more reason we need to lean on the leadership of the Holy Spirit in whatever we put our hands to. Thank goodness, He’s got our back.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on July 22, 2015 at 2:03 pm
When we see or experience injustice, it’s easy to become angry, disheartened or lose hope. We might even be tempted to exact our own form of justice, but remember that God works all things together for the good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28). His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8), “for God understands all hearts, and he sees you… He will repay all people as their actions deserve” (Proverbs 24:12). Let’s surrender to His justice for our lives.
Winn Collier on August 1, 2015 at 7:12 pm
this story is disheartening. Geesh.