Wired for Justice
God on Monday
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We are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise (Luke 23. 41-43).
Reflection
Human beings have an inbuilt sense of right and wrong that provides them with a sense of justice and injustice. From a biblical perspective, this reflects the fact that they are made in the image of God and inhabit a moral universe.
We naturally feel angry, therefore, at hearing of criminal behaviour, physical and emotional abuse, unprovoked violence, and wrongful imprisonment.
In Luke’s crucifixion narrative, one condemned criminal seems to recognise Jesus as the Messiah but is angry that Jesus appears to offer no help. The other condemned prisoner allows his innate sense of justice to surface. Consequently, he acknowledges that he is getting what he deserves, but that Jesus is not. This opens him to a future: ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ That is enough faith and trust for Jesus to show deep mercy and bring this prisoner into paradise.
How difficult do we make it for people to come to Jesus? There is nothing formulaic here. Just a simplicity and sincerity that responds to, and unlocks, God’s unconditional love.
Response
God’s mercy is kindled with the tiniest spark of faith. That spark can emerge from a sense of right and wrong that is innate to all human beings. That includes all the people you will encounter this week in your daily work. Look out for those tiny sparks and ask God to fan the flame!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you came not to condemn but to save. Help us facilitate your love and mercy and prevent us from making judgements on the faith of others. May the Holy Spirit work in our daily lives, so that many will follow the condemned criminal into your kingdom. Amen.
This Week's Author
Fiona Schneider, Bright Star Consulting Ltd. Fiona has worked in women’s health as a gynaecologist and now works as a coach for women executives and licensed lay ministers.
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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the coming Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment.
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