File: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940409.txt ------------------------------------------------------- OUR DAILY BREAD Saturday, April 9, 1994 --------------- Read: Isaiah 59 INNER-CITY INJUSTICE No one calls for justice, nor does any plead for truth. Isaiah 59:4 When a particular judge was assigned to a potentially volatile trial last year involving racial issues, many lawyers praised the choice. "He's fair--very fair--and he's just," said one. "He cares about people--victims and defendants," said another. Others spoke highly of his qualifications as a fair judge. Whether such plaudits were true or not, we expect justice from a judge. But God, the Judge of the universe, "requires" it of us and wants us to call for justice in behalf of the oppressed. Israel's failure to do this accounted in part for the nation's downfall (Is. 59:9-15). Today in many countries, more people are living in cities than ever before. And deep within these densely populated areas exist conditions that breed anger, hopelessness, and despair. Land- lords charge high rent for rundown apartments. Double standards of justice prevail for different races and nationalities. Unfair hiring and housing practices are common. And many other inequities lead to new injustices. As Christians, we must be among the first to call for justice in every area of society, not primarily for ourselves but for others. And we must be the first to rid prejudice and unfair attitudes from the inner citadel of our hearts. Author: Dennis J. De Haan POINTS TO PONDER How does my response to injustice strengthen or weaken my witness for Christ? How is prejudice related to injustice? THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: ------------------- God's standard of justice leaves no room for prejudice. THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 19-21 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written permission must be obtained from RBC for any further posting or distribution. RBC provides a variety of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------