Blessed Boasting –Justice and Righteousness

Thus says Yehovah, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am Yehovah who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares Yehovah (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

Jeremiah tells us not to boast in our wisdom, works or wealth because God is the source of these (wisdom – Proverbs 9:10; works – Ephesians 3:10; wealth – Deuteronomy 8:18). We may boast that God opens our minds and hearts to know and understand Him (Luke 24:17).

God wants us to understand three aspects of His character – lovingkindness, justice and righteousness. Checed is the unmerited, enduring love that God has for those who are in relationship with Him. Justice is understanding and practicing God’s law in our daily lives. Righteousness is the behaviors, attitudes and motivations that are manifested by those who whole-heartedly pursue practicing God’s justice.

Throughout the Bible justice and righteousness are repeatedly related to one another. They appear together in eighty-eight verses. They exemplify the principle of sowing and reaping. When we sow justice we reap righteousness. God taught His people to “sow in righteousness” so they would “reap in gracious love” (Hosea 10:12). This is in contrast to “Whoever sows wickedness reaps trouble” (Proverbs 22:8).

Justice and righteousness are an expression of God’s love, “He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of Yehovah” (Psalm 33:5)

Further, “Yehovah works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed” (Psalm 103:6). Justice and righteousness free those oppressed by the consequences of sin in their lives. They also eliminate oppressive practices found in culture and society, “Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been oppressed” (Jeremiah 22:3).

We have a problem, without Jesus “None is righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). When men attempt to define justice and righteousness for themselves, they fail. “We were all as an unclean thing, and all our righteous acts as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).

God has provided the solution to our problem, “God made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus is the only man to live a sinless life. He perfectly practiced God’s justice and demonstrated God’s righteousness. His righteousness is credited to us when we accept the salvation He provided and make Him Lord of our lives.

In the final message in Bible, we are instructed to “let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy” (Revelation 22:11). Jesus warned, “because lawlessness will increase, the love of many people will grow cold. But the person who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:12-13).

Let us exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth.

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In describing God’s character Moses explained, “his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice” (Deuteronomy 32:4). David proclaimed, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne” (Psalm 89:14). Also, “He loves righteousness and justice” and desires that “the earth [be] full of the steadfast love of Yehovah” (Psalm 33:5).

Like His Father, Jesus’ character is defined by justice. His died for our sins [He suffered an injustice] in order to bring justice to all people. “Behold my servant, [Jesus] whom I uphold, My chosen, in whom My soul delights; I have put My Spirit upon him; He will bring forth justice to the nations” (Isaiah 42:1).

When Jesus returns, He will reign in justice, “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in justice he judges” (Revelation 19:11).

Believers are called on to reflect the character of our God and Savior, “to keep the way of Yehovah by doing righteousness and justice” (Genesis 18:19). He wants us to “walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice” (Proverbs 8:20). Just as the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus to practice justice during His time on earth, the Spirit enables us to practice justice. “The Spirit is poured upon us from on high… Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field” (Isaiah 32:15-16).

Practicing justice is an act of worship, “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yehovah than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:3). God favor is on those who pursue justice, “Blessed are they who practice justice, who do righteousness at all times” (Psalm 106:3).

Practicing justice is part of our reasonable service to God, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does Yehovah require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). Our obedience brings about the will of God for all people, “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).