Social justice is not a major emphasis in my denomination. What we do emphasize is God’s justice for individual sinners, that the death of Jesus satisfies the just requirements of our Creator upon the rebellion of His creatures against Him. Because of Jesus’ passion, God graciously credits the merits of Jesus to those who say, “This then shall be my only plea: Jesus hath lived and died for me” (Lutheran Service Book, 563:5). That God accepted the payment is signaled by the resurrection of Jesus. This is justice, righteousness is a synonym, for the individual, but what if believing individuals don’t receive justice on this side of eternity? Scripture says, “Let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Peter 4:19).
Because Christian faith should be “active in love” (Galatians 5:6), a believer’s view of justice is enlarged beyond personal issues to selflessly serving people in society, hence “social” justice.” Beyond a prayer, I don’t know if many congregations in my denomination spoke to events following the unjust treatment of George Floyd. If social justice wasn’t on our screen, it has to be now. My considered opinion is that we should fortify our souls for more social unrest. Don’t put your hopes in the election. “Put not your trust in princes” (Psalm 146:3). Here’s a quotation from longtime investor Jim Rogers. “We’re going to see more and more social unrest throughout the world because we have an artificial situation where a lot of money is being printed and yet most people, many people are not participating in the recovery that everybody hope for.” (China Money Podcast). Unless people believe they’re getting a fair economic shake, there’ll be trouble. The current success of the stock market comes from unprecedented amounts of money being printed by governments and central banks. Unless there is prudent policy and action by people “above our pay grade,” sooner or later social unrest will increase.
“God moves in mysterious ways…” Our troubled present and probably more social unrest to come is an opportunity for congregations to “explain reality theologically,” as Professor Martin Scharlemann put it. Pastors, until God brings us to the full realization of Christ’s righteousness in heaven, help us discern how God wills for us to think and act about social justice here-and-now. Pastors, from your extensive studies in God’s Word, guide us how to love all our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).
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