'Restorative Justice'

to both Israel & the nations. They were written during the turbulent period in Israel’s & Judah’s history during the 8th to 7th centuries BC. They address the challenges faced by God’s people in the midst of Assyrian aggression, Babylonian exile, and eventual restoration. They focus on the themes of comfort, justice, restoration, and God’s redemptive plan for both Israel and the nations. 

Isaiah speaks of a justice that the Servant will establish. “In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.” (Isaiah 42:3-4).  This justice is not fleeting or partial but complete and rooted in God’s righteousness. The Servant’s unwavering commitment to justice offers hope in a world rife with war and oppression. Unlike kings and conquerors of the ancient world, the Servant is depicted as gentle & quiet, bringing justice without violence. This is a huge contrast to the aggressive Assyrian and Babylonian empires who subjugated people using force and fear. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” These metaphors resonated with the exiled community, who felt fragile and defeated. A bruised reed (damaged yet not broken) and a smoldering wick (fading but not extinguished) reflect the state of God’s people—downtrodden yet not abandoned. We may feel the same emotions. The good news is that Jesus is with you and will gently restore you. He will not let you be broken or your spirit destroyed.

The word ‘Justice’ is not about punishment and fear but ordering and making whole. It is a fulfillment of the original command God gave humans to ‘subdue’, ‘bring order’, ‘shepherd’, and ‘rule’. After sin enters into humanity’s life, it has become harder and harder to be set right.  It isn’t easy or painless to experience healing and restoration. But God’s Servant will do whatever it takes. Whatever it costs you and whatever it costs Him, the Servant will go to the ultimate effort to restore humanity, to restore you and me.  “In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.” (Isaiah 42:3-4)

Are you bruised and fading? This time of year, can been painful and lonely. Are you discouraged about your spiritual life, your failures and sins? Here is the good news. Surrender your life to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We have to do it again and again. He will restore you. He will strengthen you. He will guide you. He will bring wisdom and healing to your relationships. He will not falter or be discouraged. He will see you through until you are fully alive.

Blessings,

Jonathan