Justice

Injustice is inescapable. Jesus once told his disciples, "You always have the poor with you." He was quoting Deuteronomy 15:11: "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, 'You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor.'"

According to the World Bank, 9.2% of the world—719 million people—live in extreme poverty, on less than $2.15 a day.

If you've ever read through the Bible, you will encounter over 2,000 references to poverty. God brings the subject up more times than you've seen the most repetitive and annoying late night TV ads.

In the opening message of his ministry, Jesus specifically said that he came to bring good news to the poor:

*"The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed."*

**God's uncommon pursuit exactly met the needs of the poor. Each problem was met with its solution. This was the habitual way of Jesus' life and ministry.**

If you truly know God, you will be thrilled with his commitment to justice. Jeremiah 9:23-24 says:

*"The one who boasts should boast in this: that he understands and knows me—that I am the LORD, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things."*

Now what happens when we rejoice that God loves justice? If this is what we boast about, it will change us. God will transform the interior of our lives so that we also meet the needs of the poor.

This is what happened to Zacchaeus. When Jesus came to his home—and into his heart—he pledged to give half of his possessions to the poor. There's a joy in his commitment to justice!

**Our God pursues justice. What happy news!**