[God] will render to each one according to his deeds…

(Romans 2:6 NIV)

After a two-week trial in a high-profile bank robbery case, the jury spent 14 hours in deliberation before returning with a verdict. The judge asked the foreman to read their decision out loud.

The foreman declared, “We find the defendant NOT GUILTY of all four counts of bank robbery.” The courtroom erupted with joy from the defendant’s family and friends.

Turning to his client, the defense attorney asked, “So, what do you think about that?” The defendant replied, “I’m a little confused — does this mean I don’t have to give the money back?”

The story isn’t true, but it certainly could have been.  Solomon said, “If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things…” (Eccl. 5:8 NIV). We hear stories of injustice all too often.  And it troubles us when someone seems to escape the punishment they deserve.

For those who don’t believe in God, injustice can feel crushing. Life seems unfair. Innocent people suffer, while the guilty walk away free. Without hope, bitterness and despair take root.

But a Christian sees things differently. We know that God’s justice will prevail — not always in human courts, but certainly in his. He is a God of love and mercy, but also of holiness and justice. No sin will go unnoticed.

Paul wrote to the Romans, “[God] will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness — indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil.” (Romans 2:6–9 NIV).

We may live in an unjust world, but we find comfort in knowing that one day everyone will stand before the righteous Judge. For those who are in Christ, our sins have already been judged at the cross, and we have been declared righteous through his blood. For those outside of Christ, the final verdict will be sobering. Until then, we live with hope, knowing that God’s justice and mercy will prevail.

Prayer: Father, help us to trust you when injustice seems to win in this broken world. Give us patience as we wait for your perfect justice, and hearts that are eager to share your mercy with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day