Proverbs 2:9. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;
Have you ever been treated unfairly? Even unjustly? I’m sure we all have at some time or another.
Do you treat others unfairly? Are you a respecter of persons? Have you been unjust? I’m sure we all have been at some time or another.
Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, therefore, it begins with knowing what is important to God. Here in Proverbs 2:9 King Solomon tells us three things that are extremely important to God: Righteousness, justice, and equity.
Simply put, God’s righteousness is his best for us. When we are living in his righteousness we are living our best lives together in equity. Not just equal opportunity, but true equity of position before God. Each person sitting under their own vine and under their own fig tree (Micah 4:4). Justice is what makes such equity a reality in this sin filled age. Justice raises the humble and lowers the proud. Justice is always meant to reconcile us to God and one another. Even an enemy.
How can we find our place in what sounds like a fantastical utopian dream? Only in Christ. His righteousness, his best, his goodness, have been placed IN us. His restorative justice has reconciled us to God and man. His equity calls us to either be raised or lowered to the level ground at the foot of the cross.
Jesus died for everyone. His death on the cross is the same for the rich and the poor, the old and the young, the black, the brown, and the white, the man and the woman, the good and the bad. Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
Through Jesus, God is always righteous, just, and fair. Let us rejoice in this position before God. And as we embrace our spiritual equity before God, let us also work as instruments of God’s righteousness and justice on Earth. Raising the lowly, humbling the high and mighty. How? With the gospel. With the cross of Christ. The cross alone speaks exaltation to the humble, and humility to the proud. Jesus HAD to die for all, so come humbly to the foot of the cross. And Jesus DID die for all, so come boldly to the foot of the cross. Find you place at his feet pierced for you.
You: Do you see yourself as equal to others? Better than others? Lower than others?
You in Christ: How does knowing that we all sit on level ground at the cross allow you to come both humbly and boldly to God?
Christ in you: How might you treat others with equity today? Fairness? Justice?
Pray: Father, you are always righteous, just, and fair, especially in Christ. Help me to embrace the level ground at the feet of Jesus. Help me to raise and lower others in justice and righteousness. Amen.
To Live is Christ 