My Journal and Diary
2021
February
Saturday, February 13th, 2021
Partialilty
We've all been subjected, at one time or another, to the authority of someone who chose to "lord" their power over us. One might even say that these leaders act like gods: at their word, laws change and rules bend.
It may seem like they get away with their bad behaviour, however the writer Asaph, in Psalm 82, describes a council meeting in which these "lords" are all held to account. In the ultimate Supreme Court, the true, righteous God asks them: how long will you pervert justice? How long will you favour the wicked?
His criticism of their leadership is clear: justice should be impartial! Give justice to the weak, the lowly, the abandoned, the forgotten, and the poor!
This echos 2 Chronicles 19:6-7, where King Jehoshaphat of Judah gave similar wise instruction to judges in his time. He said, “Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment. Now therefore, let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take care and do it, for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes.”
Despite being written thousands of years ago, this Psalm is as relevant as ever. It seems we humans have difficulty in positions of power. God reminds us, that though we are His children, we are all mortals, and shall someday die. What is implied, is that judgement awaits each unjust ruler as well!
If you are suffering under the weight of injustice, then take solace in these words. God is on your side! He will repay those who misrepresent his cause!
Amen