The nature of God is justice. Throughout the Bible, a continuous stream illustrates the heart of God’s concern about how the marginalized in society are treated. Psalm 82 is one such place.
In the psalmist’s day as in ours, many in high position, called to uphold the rights of all people, gave the rich and powerful full rein to live out their hearts’ desires while stepping on the necks of the marginalized. Across time, those afflicted cry out to God. In this psalm God gives notice to anyone in power who perverts justice: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?” (v. 2).
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).
And God will stand with the marginalized though it costs everything—even life.
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.
Copyright © 2023 Women of the ELCA. Inquiries for permission to reproduce should be directed to [email protected].