The Kingdom of God Devotional Guide - Friday, January 14

Devotions written each day this week will focus on the theme of Kingdom justice and will build on one another. If by chance you miss a day, click on "older posts" to read a previous entry.

Scripture Reading: Micah 6:8

Explanation: This fallen world we live in affords us numerous opportunities to practice kingdom justice. Notice I keep writing about "kingdom justice." I do not have in mind mere "social justice" as some political party might define that term. I have in mind the type of justice that flows from the universal rule of God, something He reveals and explains over and over in His Word.

Last Sunday I provided this following partial list of issues crying out for the practice of kingdom justice:

• abortion
• domestic violence
• sex trafficking
• child abuse and neglect
• divorce settlements
• foster care
• extreme poverty
• illiteracy
• racial prejudice
• religious persecution
• economic exploitation (fair wages)
• victimization through life experiences (crime, cancer and other illnesses, accidents, widows, orphans, joblessness, family separation because of military service, et Al.)

It isn't possible for any ONE of us to get involved with everything on this list. It is possible to select ONE thing and become an advocate for just practices in regard to that issue. Meanwhile, it is also possible to clearly frame in our hearts and minds what our personal responsibility is whenever we bump up against something related to these issues. On Sunday, I used the examples of fair trade coffee and tipping in restaurants as examples of personal practice.

In Micah 6:8, God tells us he expects us to do justly. The New Testament picks up this broadly worded command and expounds on it under the rubric of loving others as ourselves.  This demands that we examine our lives and ministries for positive evidence that we are living according to the value of justice in association with the rule of God.

Reflection Questions: Which issue on the list is of greatest interest to you? Where might you learn more about that issue? What might God be calling you to do about that issue as an advocate of kingdom justice? What steps are you personally taking with everyday matters such as tipping in restaurants to practice kingdom justice?