Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Deuteronomy 16:18-20 (NRSV)

You shall appoint judges and officials throughout your tribes, in all your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall render just decisions for the people. You must not distort justice; you must not show partiality; and you must not accept bribes, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of those who are in the right. Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

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Reflect

Those who are fans of comic books or love to watch movies about super heroes are very familiar with justice. Those who loved to watch the old cowboy shows on television saw the heroes seek justice in the Wild West. In each of these genres there are always heroes and villains, good versus evil. We watch or read about these characters, hoping that justice will win.

In this passage from Deuteronomy, God was instructing the Hebrew children that they must appoint judges to assure that justice would be done. Justice is fairness and equality for everyone. Justice seeks to establish right and wrong. Take time today to help someone who may be suffering from an injustice. Show them, through your actions, that God loves them.

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Pray

Merciful Savior, thank you for you grace and mercy. Help us to seek out opportunities to right a wrong or to work against injustice. Give us wisdom to be able to discern between what is good and what is evil. Amen.

Serve God by serving others.