Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue / March 2009

Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue

Contents

• Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue

Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 16:20

Justice is one of the weightier matters of the Torah and is one of those qualities that is difficult for many to define. When there is no justice in a community, everyone can define it and sense that it is missing. The Torah teaches that justice can only exist when there is righteousness, and righteousness cannot remain without justice. The world, however, has long been trying to have justice without righteousness. They have never succeeded. In last month’s article on Faith & Righteousness we defined righteousness as “doing the right thing.” Our nation’s criminal justice system deals with the offender while doing very little to nothing for the benefit of the victim.

Justice has to do with correcting those who would transgress the law, whether that law is governmental or Torah. Justice involves evidence: weighing the evidence and establishing the truth of a matter. It also involves balancing truth with another quality – mercy. Truth and mercy are constituents of righteousness. Those who think that justice is just black and white or cut and dried are wrong.

One of the plagues that befell the Egyptians was the plague of hail that was on fire.

Now the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that hail may fall on all the land of Egypt, on man and on beast and on every plant of the field, throughout the land of Egypt.” And Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. And the Lord rained hail on the land of Egypt. So there was hail, and fire flashing continually in the midst of the hail, very severe, such as had not been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. And the hail struck all that was in the field through all the land of Egypt, both man and beast; the hail also struck every plant of the field and shattered every tree of the field. Only in the land of Goshen, where the sons of Israel were, there was no hail.

Exodus 9:22-26

The sages of Israel say that justice and mercy are like the hail and fire that fell upon Egypt. Hail is ice that rains to earth. Fire and water don’t mix. The hail that came down with fire flashing in its midst must have been frightening to the Egyptians and caused much confusion and deep concern. Fire and ice are almost true opposites. Fire melts the ice; the water extinguishes the fire. How does justice balance with mercy?

Before we answer that question, maybe we need to answer a more basic question. What exactly is justice? As I said before, most cannot answer this question, but they can tell you without hesitation if it’s missing. Without justice there is no peace or security, only fear and dread. Without justice there is no freedom. Without justice evil wins the day and truth is slandered and scorned. Without justice the innocent are killed. Without justice destruction is the destination for all men. Justice, then, is correction for not doing the right thing, balanced with mercy and truth.

Imagine for a moment a time and place where there is no justice. The harm done is so pervasive that you actually want justice to come and triumph over the entity causing harm. Consider that thought for a moment. Justice is when vengeance seems like the right thing to do. Justice is when you want to see a bully or a tyrant punished and punished good. It is like the hail that was on fire. The fire burns and punishes. Maybe this is why we understand God’s ultimate punishment is hell fire. Water, on the other hand, represents life, it’s cool, and quenches fire. Maybe this is why we really don’t want to talk about punishing anyone, unless we are the victim.

Yet the subject of justice is a compelling matter and essential to the life of any community. In my lifetime, I have made a strange observation of my fellow citizens. We love to hear about how justice works, even when it doesn’t work so well. In my youth, there were several television programs that were very popular, and one in particular that I felt compelled to watch, “Perry Mason.” Perry Mason was a lawyer who each week would defend an innocent person charged with murder (the most grievous of offenses). He would successfully defend his client, many times getting the real killer to confess on the stand. It was about the science of motive, opportunity, and means. To prove the crime you had to show the motive (the intent), the opportunity (he was there at the right time), and the means (he used the weapon). It never got monotonous or old, even though each episode repeated the same theme.

As I got older, I remember the actors playing the District Attorney and the Inspector (who always got it wrong) laughing in interviews about how they were the straight guys so Perry could outsmart everyone. No one hated the program. Everyone was captivated by the simple formula for proving a wrong deed. You had to have motive, opportunity, and means. Other programs and movies have had a similar success rate playing on this same formula from different angles.

When people are accused of wrongdoing, very often the accused will immediately defend himself using this formula.

Motive:

"I didn’t have a reason to do it! Why would I do such a thing!?"

Opportunity:

"I wasn’t there! I have never been there! I was with my friends at that time!" (This is called an alibi.)

Means:

"You won’t find my fingerprints on that weapon! I never touched it."

Interestingly enough, the first murder recorded in the Bible was a CSI case. Cain slew Abel and it was Abel’s blood that convicted Cain.

And Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?” And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to Me from the ground.”

Genesis 4:8-10

Cain had motive: he was envious of his brother’s blessings. Cain had opportunity: they were in the field together. Cain had the means: Cain was strong enough to overpower Abel. The blood evidence that clinched it. Abel’s blood was probably on Cain when he asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

When Cain realized there was a consequence to his action—that God would require justice—he realized that the punishment would have to match his deed (death sentence). Maybe this is why he responded the way he did.

And Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is too great to bear!”

Genesis 4:13

Even though Cain understood that he deserved death, God showed him mercy, causing only the ground to be cursed and Cain to become a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth. Cain feared that other men would exact justice against him and kill him; therefore, God enacted a penalty against anyone seeking justice on their own against Cain.

So the Lord said to him, “Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord appointed a sign for Cain, lest anyone finding him should slay him.

Genesis 4:15

It turns out that justice, the kind of justice spoken of first in the affairs of man, is defined by God, not man. This is important to note, because in our day justice is more and more being redefined by men and not God. Actually, what is happening is that God’s laws are being dismissed and His justice is fading away at the same rate. That makes sense because law and justice are like hand in glove together.

Perhaps that is why some people want God’s law to simply go away. They think it will make His justice (and penalties) to go away. I know this is the hope of those who blatantly advocate homosexuality. Homosexuality is not murder by any stretch of imagination, it is the transgression of the law of God and, according to the law (Torah), open homosexuality is worthy of death.

Now what are we going to do about this? In particular, how do homosexuals feel about this?

I can give you the short answer – they would like to make the law go away, change the law. That way there will be no need for justice (punishment of the transgressor). To do that they have to convince enough people that they have a better law such as “equal rights” or separation of church and state. They actually have gone beyond this argument now, advocating that teaching religious law (the laws of God) should be classified as hate speech and homophobia. Some countries have already adopted this kind of thinking and the United States is close to establishing such laws.

Did you know that it is unconstitutional to make any law that targets a particular segment of the citizenry. For example, you cannot make a law against a specific gender per se, or any ethnic group, or any RELIGIOUS group. However, governments (ours included) are doing exactly that, elevating Christian religious morality to a “Hate Crime” status more grievous with a greater penalty.

The Bible has more to say about justice than just the case of murder or homosexuality. Take the example of the Sodom and Gomorrah. The average Bible reader thinks the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah was about homosexuality. It really wasn’t. Yes, it is true that homosexuality was part of Sodom. In fact, the law concerning sodomy is closely linked with homosexual acts, and it also applies to a variety of “abnormal” sexual acts. Sodom was also known for rampant adultery and sexually related activity. According to some historical sources Sodom was known for holding sexual festivals. If you happened to stumble into town as a stranger or a visitor, it did not go well with you, it was even dangerous.

I recently heard a (liberal) theologian pointing out what I had just covered about Sodom and Gomorrah. He argued that homosexuality was not the focus of God’s judgment, instead, it was the lack of hospitality that brought judgment upon them. He even suggested that the general immoral heterosexual behavior of the citizens was more pervasive than any homosexual activity that may have been present. Somehow, in his logic, he argued that the Bible was not really opposed to homosexuality.

While some of the evidences that this theologian enumerated were true, he definitely did not understand what the “outcry of Sodom” was about or why God judged them. It wasn’t the sex, it was the injustice of the place. According to the Book of Jasher, a parallel text to Genesis, there are several stories about Sodom and Gomorrah having to do with the corrupt judges who ruled in the five cities. Travelers and strangers were subjected to false accusations and punishments despite proof of their innocence. The “outcry of Sodom” had to do with those in the midst of injustice.

You should not be shocked by this liberal theologian’s arguments for homosexuality. Most Christians are taught that Jesus nailed the entire law to the cross, remember? They teach that Jesus made the law go away, therefore the penalty of the law is also gone: it is all “fulfilled,” so they say. If that is true, then there are also no Scriptural laws against homosexuality, adultery, etc. However, the CORRECT teaching is that Yeshua paid the highest penalty of the law of willful sin(being cursed and suffered death) for us. This didn’t make the rest of the law go away. The only requirement that has been satisfied is the death penalty for willful sin if we apply Yeshua’s sacrifice. Therefore, we are not under the penalty of the law of sin and death. Other aspects of the law (remember, that means the Torah) are still in effect.

Here is an interesting Biblical fact. Sexual immorality in a community is part and parcel with corrupt courts and judges. As a result, justice is perverted and distorted. Homosexuality is a form of sexual immorality. It is no wonder that the justice system is being perverted and distorted. The end result is that the innocent and the powerless cannot get any justice. Consider what the Torah has to say about justice being perverted and distorted.

You shall not follow a multitude in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice;

Exodus 23:2

You shall not pervert the justice due to your needy brother in his dispute.

Exodus 23:6

You shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous.

Deuteronomy 16:19

You shall not pervert the justice due an alien or an orphan, nor take a widow's garment in pledge.

Deuteronomy 24:17

Cursed is he who distorts the justice due an alien, orphan, and widow. And all the people shall say, “Amen.”

Deuteronomy 27:19

Righteousness is doing the right thing. Righteousness and justice work together. Righteousness is doing what the law says (if the law is just). When the law is not just (a governmental law), then righteousness and justice don’t work together at all. Instead, righteousness cries out for justice, as in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah. Anytime you have a place where a stranger, an orphan, or a widow cannot get justice, that place is like Sodom and Gomorrah. There is no justice, and immorality is pervasive.

King David was one of the most honored and powerful kings of Israel. In fact, it is because of how David lived his life and ruled over Israel that the Messiah is be called the Son of David.

So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered justice and righteousness for all his people.

2SA 8:15

Righteousness and justice is what exalts a nation. Righteousness and justice are characteristics so desired by God in His people that He prefers them to the most devoted worship man can give Him.

To do righteousness and justice is desired by the Lord rather than sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:3

Do you know why God had to judge the world in Noah’s day? Men became so corrupt in their judgments as their thoughts were continually evil.

And God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.

Genesis 6:12

Corruption causes justice to go away. The world in Noah’s day had no justice; thus predictably, sexual immorality was rampant and violence prevailed.

Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose. Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Genesis 6:1-2,5

Yeshua commented on the judgment of that world.

For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, they were marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark.

Matthew 24:38

It does not shock me one bit that homosexuals are redefining the laws of marriage through the use of corrupt judges and courts. This is what was done in the past. Actually, this is one of the most powerful signs that we are getting ready for God’s final judgment. Maybe this is why God’s final judgment specifically addresses the issue of justice.

If I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand takes hold on justice, I will render vengeance on My adversaries, and I will repay those who hate Me.

Deuteronomy 32:41

Make no mistake about it. A corrupt judge hates the Lord and the Lord hates a corrupt judge. God has been very consistent throughout the history of man on this point.

There is another aspect of justice that we need to understand. Let us go back to the introduction of this article:

Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 16:20

In the Hebrew text, it simply says, “Justice, Justice.” The words “and only” have been inserted by the translators to help bring out the meaning. Most interpreters think that the second “justice” is simply stressing the desire for justice (the superlative expression). However, Hebrew teachers know that the second “justice” means something different from the first “justice.” The first “justice” is about what we have discussed, i.e., the law and punishment, and the second “justice” has to do with “due process.” It means that you must pursue justice in a just way.

The popular TV series “Law and Order” focuses on the “due process” part of justice. Just like Perry Mason, the writers of Law and Order have a simple formula for their successful program. The first part of the program is the police investigating and arresting the guilty party, but the latter part is about the District Attorney using the law to prosecute and secure a conviction. Virtually everyone is guilty (whereas in Perry Mason they were always innocent) and the stories in Law and Order are about how the law is used and how judges must make rulings about the law. The focus is not about crime and punishment. The news media and cable talk shows focus on those two elements alone.

How the law is used and weighed against an accused is a very important part of justice in the Scriptures. In fact, Yeshua the Messiah had a lot to say about how the law is to be administered and used.

Do not judge lest you be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.

Matthew 7:1-2

Yeshua is not suggesting that there should be no law or that the law should be used without due process; He is emphasizing the importance of due process. This particular point is made in reference in the following words.

Our Law does not judge a man, unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?

John 7:51

Due process (the second “justice”) means that the process of determining guilt–by proving it–is fundamental in striving for justice. Before you can make a judgment on a matter and later administer punishment, you must follow a just process, giving opportunity for a proper and fair defense. While the first “justice” seeks to protect the innocent, the second is intended to punish the guilty. Failing to follow due process is a sure way to do even more harm.

Who would pursue justice and not follow due process? Those who usurp authority, those with a personal vendetta or agenda, or those who are corrupt themselves. Consider this instruction about justice.

Therefore you are without excuse, every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.

Romans 2:1

Yeshua talked about this point specifically in Matthew 7:1-5 referring to one brother complaining about a splinter in the other’s eye while a beam was in his own eye. In another instance, He told the accusers of the woman caught in the act of adultery, “Let him who is without sin among you, let him be the first to cast the first stone at her.” (John 8:7) The Scripture also records that the older men left first followed by the younger. Obviously, each of the men in question had themselves committed the same sin they were accusing the woman of.

Among believers, the issue of due process is more consequential with lasting repercussions. We are all servants of God and He is Master of us all. When we judge to the point of punishing another believer, many times we have gone too far. Our Master knows full well what is happening and does not require our services to carry out His justice. Following is what the apostle Paul wrote to the early assemblies:

Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand. But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.

Romans 14:4,10

The Apostle James echoes this same logic.

Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?

James 4:11-12

The writer of Hebrews quotes directly from the Scriptures making the same point.

For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”

Hebrews 10:30

Justice seeks to correct transgressions of God’s law and demands a punishment that fits the crime. Justice also includes due process to protect the innocent and ensure that justice is completed in a just way. However, there is still another element of justice expressed in the Torah.

Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 16:20

When the fire melts the ice, the water extinguishes the flame. Water is a powerful symbol of life. When justice is done, God wants us to live. The end result of justice is not punishment; it is life. This is the original intent of the law.

When the first man Adam sinned, he brought about death for himself and us. To correct that there had to be justice. Yet if justice, and only justice, is administered then death will be the result. As the Law says, “The soul that sins shall die.” We have a major problem here, because all of us have sinned just like Adam. According to the law and justice, death is required. So, how can justice be accomplished so that we might live?

The answer is right before us just as the law says. Since the law says that the punishment must be equal to the offense, all we need is to find an acceptable substitute so that we ourselves don’t have to suffer the punishment. This is where sacrifice comes in. A sacrifice is something of value that is offered as a substitute to satisfy the requirements of the law.

The Bible has a lot to say about presenting sacrifices to God. Some Christians think that this is how the Israelites got saved before the Messiah came. They are mistaken. Yes, the Bible teaches about the sacrificial substitution system with the altar and the priests. However, there is no sacrifice specified for any man to bring if he is seeking a suitable substitute for willful and defiant sin against God. Simply put, the blood of bulls and goats does not take away that sin. The animal sacrifices offered in the temple service were primarily making acceptable gifts to God. Only two of them have to do with sin and they only apply to accidental or unintentional sin. The law is very clear. Willful and defiant sin results in death. There is no sacrifice a man can make. A father cannot give his life for his son nor a son for his father.

There is ONE unique sacrifice. If the sacrifice is brought by God, then God will accept that sacrifice as the payment for a man’s transgression of His law. It turns out that only God’s justice, God’s due process, and God’s payment will truly cover the debt owed.

For those of us who know the Messiah, we have accepted the “Lamb of God” as our payment for our sins. Yeshua is our propitiation (payment). When Yeshua was lifted up on the cross, He was elevated above the altar and sanctified for the purpose of paying for our sins. God did this for us. He did this like any other sacrifice, substituted as the payment.

The sins of man are very great indeed. Remember the cry of Cain when he saw the punishment he had to face. Is there enough value in the life of Yeshua of Nazareth to be an acceptable substitute for anyone else. This is the amazing part of our Salvation in Yeshua of Nazareth. The sacrifice of one Lamb of God is sufficient to cover all of the sins of all men who seek the payment of their sins through a substitute, and to be reconciled to God by His justice. Our salvation is based on faith in the promises of God to provide a lamb for a suitable sacrifice. Our righteousness is doing the right thing by trusting and believing God. Our justice is based on God’s law (Torah), His just process, and in securing an acceptable payment. Our sacrifice (payment demanded by justice) is freely given to us by God. As result, we satisfy God’s justice and we receive Salvation (life).

Salvation by faith is the shortened expression, and justice is the centerpiece of that process.

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