Jesus and Justice

In the famous “Prince of Peace” prophecy in Isaiah 9 that we’re looking at this week, Abbey Nishimoto pointed out on Sunday how growing up in the church she’d never heard that this Messiah cared about justice. She’d heard only that he wanted to save souls. And yet, that very prophecy s completely built around the idea that the Messiah would bring justice.

Look over these three pieces of the prophecy and pay attention to what’s fresh or new to you:

Ending oppression:

You have shattered
the yoke that burdens them, 
    the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor. - Isaiah 9:4

Ending violence

Every warrior’s boot used in battle
    and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
    will be fuel for the fire. - Isaiah 9:5

Bringing a kingdom of justice

He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever. - Isaiah 9:7

If this is what the coming Prince of Peace would be all about, what implications does that have for you in how you view Jesus and his role on earth? How does it implicate you? What do you want to say to God in response?