Now Serving Justice

Psalm 106:3 Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right.

President Obama made a special announcement last night that Osama Bin Laden had been killed, the master mind behind 911, almost ten years later he is finally dead. President Obama said, "justice has been served." I can appreciate the sense of closure that the death of Osama bin Laden brings to the thousands who remember the horrors of the 911 attack but there is something about the 'finality' of the statement "justice has been served," that bothers me.

Cutting off the head of the snake so the body can die, is a bad analogy for the death of bin Laden, this is more like cutting a starfish in half and throwing its body back into the ocean. Starfish can regenerate after being cut in half. the idealism of Al Qaeda is what we are fighting against and the need for Justice at home as well as abroad needs to continue. We fight not against flesh and blood but against dark powers and principalities in high places. Our fight is against poverty in the inner-cites, world hunger, genocide in Africa, unemployment in America, racism everywhere.

Instead of saying that Justice has been served we should have illuminated in the windows of our conscience the words, "Now Serving Justice." the Psalmist reminds us that, "Blessed are they who maintain Justice, who constantly do what is right." it is not a one time act. It is not getting revenge on your enemies. Justice as defined by Cornell West, is what love looks like in Public. To be human you must bear witness to Justice everyday.

How do we maintain justice daily?

1. Treat others like you would want to be treated.

2. Seek the good of others not just yourself. to look out for self interest only is selfish.

3. When it is in your power to do good and help those in need do not withhold it.

4. Do not accept a bribe (money) to release the wicked. In other words Justice is not for sale. We can't make deals with corrupt leaders just to get their oil then later turn on them when they no longer serve our interests.

5. Be consistent with Justice in every area of life.

Dear God,
Help us to Love our neighbors and our enemies. Love conquers all. Lover covers a multitude of sins. Loving others in full view of everybody is Justice. Let Justice roll down like water and Righteousness like a mighty stream. Fill me with living water so that I can maintain justice every day of my life.

In Jesus Name,
Amen