Day 233

Justice and Righteousness

Read: Jeremiah 20-22

Pashhur the priest, a religious ruler in the Lord’s temple, should have done justice. Instead he beats Jeremiah and throws him in the stocks. Therefore he will be among those carried captive into Babylon. As a result of this painful experience, Jeremiah pours out his heart to God in anguish that he must suffer for preaching God’s Word. He decides to stop, but he cannot do so. He reflects the words of Job wishing he had never been born.

At a later date, Jeremiah has a message from the Lord to king Zedekiah, “Do justice and righteousness” (22:3). To king Jehoiakim he gives a similar message: “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness” (v. 13). He reminds him that his father did “justice and righteousness” (v. 15) and that, as a result, he was blessed. “But you have eyes and heart only for your dishonest gain” (v. 17).

God requires that we deal honestly with people in all our transactions with them. When we do not do so, he sees it and will not let us get away with it very long. Businesspeople should examine all of their practices. Are they absolutely honest? God cares. Those who are in government are especially responsible. Corruption is abominable in God’s sight, and he will not let such actions go unpunished. This biblical truth should cause us to be honest and give us comfort that injustice will be punished.

PRAYER
Father, help us to be absolutely honest in all of our dealings with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.