Dealing with the “junk” of life is daunting. Increasingly I find myself searching for the “fairness”. War, no matter how justified, takes a toll on the innocents. Greed, arrogance, and obsessive drives for power and control all extract a price from those struggling to survive. How is this fair? How can anyone in positions of authority justify the cost when it’s measured in human life? What if the alternative is even more expensive? What then is the answer? Is there any justice for the human spirit?
In today’s world the answer is probably no. There are millions that go to sleep each night hungry. Women of every geography, culture, and economic strata struggle through the day alone, battered, and in fear for the future. Men across the same spectrum struggle to survive the increasing sense of aloneness that haunts even the strongest. Everyone is out of control- life is overwhelming, the darkness of the night is often deafening, and the frustration with the injustice personal and removed brings on an anger that few understand or can control. Where is the answer?
I sit in the warm rays of the sun coming up over the hills and spilling across a canopy of Redwood trees. In the stillness of the morning and with the absence of the continuous flood of fresh examples I find hope is two facts. They are, in reverse order of importance, the following.
First, John documents what happens to the source of evil that plagues your life, others who struggles with pain, as well as my own. “Oh Heaven, celebrate! And join in, saints, apostles, and prophets! God has judged her; every wrong you suffered from her has been judged.” (Revelation 18.20)
Second, you and I have a God who reaches out to every human being in a spirit of love. There is no revenge in this God’s heart, only compassion, unlimited acceptance, and mercy. Justice will be given out but this is only a result of love played out to the final extreme.
In this love I have confidence. It’s yours as well.
