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scales of justice

In recent years, America has experienced numerous high-profile deaths of black people at the hands of white people and/or police.

George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Philando Castille. Ahmaud Arbery. The list goes on and on.

The collective weight of these situations has reopened the already-raw wounds that many black people have felt for decades and centuries. Many have taken to the streets to protest perceived injustice. Some opportunists have violently destroyed buildings, looted stores and committed horrible violent crimes.

For the first time in my lifetime, it appears that there is significant momentum from a majority of the population to create substantive, meaningful change. Time will tell.

From a Christian perspective, what should our attitude be towards these things? What can we learn from Scripture about GOD's attitude towards justice and care for the poor, the less fortunate, and the oppressed?

When I studied these things afresh, I realized something interesting which I had never really considered in light of this topic.

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overhead of boat on open ocean - photo by Kristaps Ungurs

This metaphor helps me understand and explain the human struggle of understanding and following GOD's will in our life.

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Verse Image: Jeremiah 29:11

I see it all the time. And almost every time I see it, it makes me cringe.

Quoting a single verse from the Bible.

  • Jeremiah 29:11
  • John 3:16
  • Psalm 23:1
  • Philippians 4:13

Verses like these are deeply meaningful to us because they hold precious promises or statements which encourage, strengthen and remind us of GOD and His love and providence for us.

So, what's the big deal if people quote and post these single passages?

Honestly, I'm torn.

On one hand, every time someone points another person's attention towards GOD and Scripture, that's a good thing. So let's do more of that, right?

Well ... yes, but a qualified yes.

Can I be transparent with you about a little secret? And what I'm about to say, I say with zero pridefulness in my heart ... humility, actually.

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kid holding a Bible looking surprised

Can I tell you a story? A story so powerful that, if you pay attention, it will change your life?

It's the story of the Bible. Only, this story is probably different than anything you've ever heard.

Before I tell you this story, I first need to answer a huge question, perhaps the very thing you may be asking yourself right now:

How could you possibly tell the story of the Bible in a way that I've never heard before?

Excellent question! Here's how...

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Title Slide: Re-Thinking the Ekklesia [the visible and invisible church]

In last month’s lesson, The Church of the Old Testament, I emphasized how Jesus’ church is the promised re-gathering of scattered Israel.

Through the Prophets, GOD promised a new covenant with Israel that would be different than the first (see Jer. 31:31-34).

This month’s lesson continues developing the theme of re-thinking Jesus’ church by examining the differences between the visible and invisible church. While the differences may seem obvious at first, realizing the implications of these differences and how people have conflated the two churches provides a powerful “Aha!” moment for us.

Let’s begin our analysis by visualizing the two covenants GOD made with Israel.

GOD’s Vision for Ancient Israel

At Mt. Sinai, GOD offered the physical children of Israel (Jacob) a covenant.

5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you shall be a special people to Me above all nations; for all the earth is Mine. 6 You shall be to Me a royal priesthood and a holy nation.’
(Ex. 19:5-6 OSB)

Here was GOD’s vision for Israel: