The world's idea of justice and freedom fall short of their purpose. Prison bars keep the guilty from repeating their crime while behind them. They cannot change the person. Freedom comes with a price. We have to take responsibility for our actions. We are never free from the tensions of living on the earth. We must pay the price of making a living and existing among people of different temperaments and cultures. Being in Christ is the perfect answer because he has already paid the price for our sins.
We say that justice has been done when the guilty have been punished, or the innocent has been absolved of guilt. But what if after the guilty one has served his time in prison, he goes back and commits the same crime? Has justice been victorious? Incarceration does not equal rehabilitation. The use of force alone does not always persuade one to change his ways. It sometimes causes them to be even more determined to continue with their evil ways.
Little justice is done when they are released as fast as they are arrested. The revolving door policy makes a mockery of justice. There is the problem of overcrowding in prisons and some have to be turned loose before finishing their punishment.
The only true justice is if the guilty are made to change their ways and become useful citizens. Jesus changes from the inside. He alters one's purpose by changing the value system. All criminals know that if they are caught they will be punished, though they think they will evade their captors. Suppose they could be persuaded that there is one that there is no way they can get away from? That he has absolute knowledge of everything they ever thought, said, or did?
Jesus changes lives by making people come to grips with the truth. When one accepts the truth, he doesn't go back to the mire, he is set free to pursue a fresh new life. Morality and compassionate living cannot be forced by law. Such virtues must come from the inside, compelled by one's own conscience after learning the Lord's ways.
Law breakers, who are healed by the Lord, no longer lead a life of running and looking over their shoulders; they are set free to a new life, where fear is replaced by peace of mind. The weak are set free because they don't have to rely on their own strength. They can depend on his. Addicts and alcoholics are set free from depending on artificial stimulants; they are now on a spiritual high. All of us are set free from the bondage of sin. We don't have to carry that burden anymore. He will give us one that is more our size to carry for him.
If you were on trial, how would it make you feel if your lawyer turned out to be your judge and the same individual had already been punished for your crime. Would you get the idea that the deck was stacked in your favor? That's exactly the point Paul is making in Romans 8:33. And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us-who was raised to life for us! -is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us?
We want justice in this world, but on the day of judgement we won't want justice we will want mercy. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We deserve to be punished, but if we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, we will receive the joys of heaven-the grace of God that we don't deserve.
This was written to spread the news of the freedom Jesus gives. Please publish it liberally. The resource box must be left intact. It is adapted from Lynn Bradley's yet unpublished book, "The Way to God's House."
Lynn Bradley is also the author of the paperback book, "Climbing the Heavenly Stairs." It is designed to develop spiritual maturity. When you know the Word of God and the God of the Word, your faith no longer shakes with every fleeting doubt. It is solid and reliable because it is built on a rock. The reader is led in easy steps to understand the Lord's ways. Read more about it by clicking on the following link. http://www.thelynnbradleybook.com
limousine Ackley .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareOne does not have to live long to realize that... Read More
Some of my greatest teachers have taught me that faith... Read More
Self-actualization comes down to three basic premises: this is who... Read More
It's an almost unbelievable thought, but could you be getting... Read More
God poetry is one of my favorite genres, although I... Read More
A spiritual event is what happens in every moment of... Read More
I was reminiscing with a friend recently about his 'dark... Read More
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the... Read More
Burn out, it can happen to anyone. Some of the... Read More
Do you ever wonder about the other "YOU ?"The one... Read More
Last NAN I explained how to petition the female Saints... Read More
The world's idea of justice and freedom fall short of... Read More
Every workday, five days a week, I take the light... Read More
"No man is a prophet in his own country."That line... Read More
Spiritual Inspiration Music is about Love, Growth, Spiritual and Personal... Read More
Have you ever heard something that really "resonated" with you?... Read More
My name is Had. You may know me, but you... Read More
Yesterday, a marketing guru asked me a question that left... Read More
It's not exactly a news flash that we live in... Read More
Can I be honest with you? There are days when... Read More
Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the... Read More
INTRODUCTIONSpiritual affirmations are positive, statements of intention, that facilitate manifestation.... Read More
How did an artist accidently learn healing visualizations and improve... Read More
If you would like to learn to read tarot cards,... Read More
Do you want victory in your life? Do you have... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare Alexander ..Spirit DancerThe spirit dancer is the card of creative expression.... Read More
There are no better people to be around than those... Read More
Self-actualization comes down to three basic premises: this is who... Read More
Spirit - All Around Us, All of Us, Every One... Read More
Ok, let's start with the amazing story of Robbie and... Read More
An interesting question that frequently comes up is "Which Gods... Read More
Those of us, who are familiar with Apostle Paul's sermon... Read More
I'm not sure Paul had the Japanese culture in mind... Read More
Tarot card reading delves into an individual's psyche and thus... Read More
Rabbi Kushner in his book "When Bad Things Happen to... Read More
There is nothing more valuable to a sentient being then... Read More
Many of us are on an inward or outward path-to... Read More
"Let me take you down to a town called Paradise."Van... Read More
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,... Read More
The tongue is such a tiny little organ. Yet, it... Read More
Each of us has far more potential to serve the... Read More
I had visions of my daughter for about five years... Read More
In the game of billiards there are two things you... Read More
Obviously, if you really want to learn about the meanings... Read More
Did we just overlook the amount of love that God... Read More
Do you ever feel that what you read in some... Read More
Often, in being dishonest about our own faults and failures,... Read More
But my God shall supply all your need according to... Read More
This statement sounds incredible. ASK and it shall be given.... Read More
Come on now!? Really? This is going too far, you... Read More
Spirituality |