Justice in the Kingdom of God

On today's episode, I wanted to  because I want to talk about all the stuff going on in our country right now, particularly involving the death of George Floyd and its aftermath, all of it on the heels of the coronavirus, and the two-month lockdown and widespread unemployment that has caused. I think most of you will agree that things are an absolute mess right now, mostly concentrated in the big cities. So for those of us who are Christians, how do we come to terms with all of that, and how do we respond to it?

This is the most difficult episode I’ve had to prepare for thus far. I’ve rewritten my notes at least a half a dozen times and had several other people read them and provide feedback, which led to more editing. There are serious issues going on in our country right now, as you all know. And, this is the Jesus Society Podcast, not the current events podcast, or the political activism podcast. So I’m not going to talk about politics, and I’m not going to really talk about George Floyd’s death very much. I’m just not going to wade into that fray.

The last thing you all need is yet another voice telling you their perspective. The world will not be changed simply because I tell you all that I'm not a racist and that I don't support racism.

But the piece of all this that I want to talk about — because it fits with the theme of this podcast — is what the Kingdom of God has to say about this and things like this? In view of all that’s going on around George Floyd’s death, and the reaction to it nationwide, I decided this would be a good time to talk about justice.

Join me today as we discuss:

1. My own baggage surrounding the idea of justice.

2. The biblical concept of justice in God's world: Justice = Rightness

3. Why God gets so upset at injustice among his people.

4. The anatomy of injustice.

5. Where injustice comes from.

6. Injustice and public opinion.

7. A Jesus Society response to injustice (i.e., what, tangibly, can we do in the midst of our current situation).

Christianity has always been the great equalizer. There simply IS no prejudice in the Kingdom of God. Because is the Kingdom of God, and God is not prejudiced. He created every single one of us in his image, and adores us all. As Christians, we are against anyone who does violence to others, who abuses or hurts others. The Kingdom of God is founded on justice and righteousness and love, and carries an invitation to all to come and enjoy it.

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Thank you for joining us today. I hope you’ll join us again next week. We’d appreciate it if you’d tell others about the podcast. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe,  rate and review us on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Please visit us on our Facebook group for the Jesus Society Podcast. Just search Jesus Society Podcast, and I’m sure you’ll find it. Feel free to suggest topics for episodes and ask any questions you have. And check out our website — thejesussociety.com.

Thanks for listening, and I hope you’ll be back. And remember, you are greatly loved.

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Resources for Today's Show:

1. The prayer of St. Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. 

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, 

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

2. https://babylonbee.com/news/nations-racists-repent-after-reading-statement-on-equality-from-hidden-valley-ranch

3. Check out the song, Brighten the Corner Where You Are

 

Music and audio production by Nathan Longwell Music