Tues.’s Devo - God’s Justice

Read: Numbers 26:52-28:15, Luke 3:1-22, Ps. 61:1-8, Pr. 11:16-17 I hear people say that life is not fair, but God is just according to Zeph 3:5 and 1 John 1:9. The dictionary meaning of “just” is fair. In today’s reading He divided the land by the number of people in the tribe - very fair. Then he settled the case for the women who have no men to receive inheritance through. God gave them the inheritance - very fair. Jesus said in Luke 12:48, that to whom much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. This is God’s justice and it is very fair. Joshua was put in Moses’ place and given some of Moses’ authority because God was going to take Moses for not obeying him at the rock. God may not look fair to us but His ways are higher than ours and He sees the end from the beginning. John the Baptist came leveling the field. He said that every valley would be filled and every mountain would be brought low; the crooked would be made straight and the rough ways would be smoothed. He put everyone at the same level - all flesh would see the salvation of God. It doesn’t matter how big or how small your ministry is, God is looking for fruit unto repentance. This looks different to different people. To the publicans it meant to be honest in their business dealings. To the soldier, it meant not using their position to bully others or be disgruntled over their wages. What is it to you? When John saw the people wondering if he was the Messiah, he was sure not to take that honor. His job was to make their hearts ready to receive the Messiah when he came. John was to open mens eyes to their sin and need for a Saviour. John’s zeal ended up getting him into prison but not before he could baptize Jesus and see the sign of the dove and hear God’s voice confirming Jesus as the Messiah. John understood that God was a just God who had to punish man according to their sins. He also knew there was a Saviour who would save them from the wrath to come. Lord, thank You for Your justice and Your mercy.