Justice Is Served

There are natural consequences for the things we do. If you borrow your older sister’s clothes without asking she’ll probably tell your friends your most embarrassing habit…

1 Kings 2.28-46

Reference:  v.31  Then the king commanded Benaiah, “Do as he says.  Strike him down and bury him, and so clear me and my father’s house of the guilt of the innocent blood that Joab shed.” (NIV Bible)

Explore:  Justice is dealt out in many different ways.  If you borrow your older sister’s clothes without asking she’ll probably tell your friends your most embarrassing habit.  If you drive over the speed limit a police officer will probably give you a fine. If you steal something from work your boss will probably fire you. There are natural consequences for the things we do.  Some actions may be justified, others may seem quite harsh.
The justice that Solomon dished out was quite harsh.  You either obey him or die.  One thing I will say for Solomon, those who did disobey had been warned!

Application:  Having just done a sermon series on Jonah I find that even throughout the Old Testament God shows his compassionate, gracious side.  It seems that even when God was gracious people still did the wrong thing and turned against him.  God has every right to wipe us out.  He must get so frustrated at our actions, particularly when we hurt or jeopardise others.  And yet he continues to extend an arm of grace.  I didn’t live in King Solomon’s time so I can’t say whether his actions were justified or not.  But having experienced the grace of God today I know that I am called to do likewise.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for your grace that you extend to each and every person.  May I have the wisdom to discern what is just and show your grace to others.  Amen.

Where do you see justice in our world today?  Where do you know of injustice?  How are we called to act?

1 Kings