Connecting Point: Injustice for All

Some matters are timeless, seen through the generations, and noticeable in every culture. Certainly, the clock ticks forward and we see continuous advances in technology but for the most part, humans are predictable throughout history. We tend to make poor judgment calls. For example, court cases can leave one’s head spinning, unjust outcomes. Due to some technicality, killers may walk freely or blatant criminal acts are overlooked. True victims can watch in dismay with a judicial system that is seriously broken. Sadly there are some cases where the innocent are punished and incarcerated for years.

Centuries ago King Solomon recognized injustice, “And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there. I said to myself, ‘God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.’ I also said to myself, ‘As for humans, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless. All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?’ So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?” (Ecclesiastes 3:16-22).

Without a doubt, I’m certain that most of us have seen or heard of an unjust court ruling. Both judge and jury are charged by the law to uphold truth, in the majority of cases, this hopefully occurs. However, justice can also be blind or the truth can be skewed. Ultimately, Solomon settles the matter with one, overarching premise: God’s final judgment is what counts. Wickedness has long infiltrated the courts of justice; power, greed, and deceit can take precedence over truth. God’s Word assures us that ultimate justice will prevail before the highest court of justice one day. No, this court isn’t governed by any human gavel but by God himself making sure that every deed will be examined and judgment cast truthfully. If you find yourself to be a true victim or one disheartened by specific rulings keep your head up because, in the end, God’s truth remains.

Solomon also reminds us that our mortality is in fact, a test. As humans, we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) unlike other animals but we all share the same fate, death (Hebrews 9:27). Every breath we take should be a gentle reminder that we are finite, without oxygen our bodies cannot survive. Each heartbeat shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Lastly, Solomon supports a balanced view of life and work. Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon warns that we can fall into a dreadful trap making work to almost be a god, he too fell into that trap. Yet, a healthy view of managing work with life is our God-given lot for our time here on earth. Live a balanced life, rest assured the wheels of justice do prevail.