In Psalm 82, the psalmist writes to urge the poor, the oppressed, and all who stand with them not to lose hope. Our hope is found in a God who, though slow to anger, will not let injustice win the day. God calls injustice out and holds accountable those who oppress “the weak and the orphan … the lowly and the destitute” (v. 3).
In response to such assurance, with the psalmist we call out in hope: “Rise up, O God, judge the earth” (v. 8). God answers through prophets, psalmists and above all, through Jesus. The hope of the marginalized is fulfilled through the cross and the empty tomb. The cross tells us God is so committed to justice that, as the human being Jesus, God will stand with the marginalized though it costs everything – even life.
God calls us all to be part of restoring the foundation of justice. Christ invites us to seek his glory in love for our neighbor. The more we love, the more injustice we will see, and the more we will want to work with God to correct it.
This message is excerpted from “Justice the foundation of God’s love” by Rashion Santiago from the January 26, 2023, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today we commemorate Antony of Egypt, renewer of the church, c. 356 and Pachomius, renewer of church, 346.
Copyright © 2024 Women of the ELCA. Inquiries for permission to reproduce should be directed to [email protected].