King David, the Messiah, and Social Justice

After God’s Own Heart:
David & Justice

INTRODUCTION:
We hear a lot about “social justice” today. Unfortunately, it has a negative connotation in the minds of conservatives and Christians because it is usually associated in our society with higher taxes and more government spending and regulations. Ultimately, our programs for the poor have done nothing to alleviate the existence of poverty and it is not likely that more government spending is going to help in the future nor is it going to stop or minimize.

But, what we need to focus on as Christians is implementing God’s standard of “justice” in our society whenever we can. I want us to begin by looking at the king who, in some ways, set a precedent for the coming Messiah… David.

Absalom’s behavior is described in 2 Samuel 15:1-12. A key role for the king in Israel was to serve as a judge.

Observe the description of David’s role as king in 2 Samuel 8:15. When Nathan rebuked David for his relationship with Bathsheba, listen to the words in 2 Samuel 12:5-6. Again, see the words of 2 Samuel 14:4-20.

We see this same emphasis on justice in the reign of King Solomon, specifically after the situation with the two prostitutes in 1 Kings 3:28.

The prophets looked for a ruler who would reign wisely in righteousness and justice: Isaiah 9:7; 11:1-5; 16:5; 32:1; 42:1-7; 61:1-3. Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15.

The standard was given back in the Law of Moses: Deuteronomy 17:18-20.

DIVINE JUSTICE:
Justice is established based on the nature of God: Psalm 146:7-9. The one concerned about justice will uphold the cause of the oppressed, the vulnerable. It also relates to frustrating the schemes of the wicked who threaten the cause of the oppressed. Observe 146:10. The rule of God is characterized by concern about justice.

Psalm 72 - This is ascribed to Solomon but also at the end of verse 20, it states that the “prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.” One of the major themes of this psalm is the blessing which follows the rule of the king. Notice verses 5-11 and 15-17. The dimensions are found in verse 11.

The reign will produce prosperity for David’s subjects: rain falling, showers watering (ver. 6), grain abounding, fruit flourishing, grass thriving (ver. 16). This abundance is linked to “righteousness” in verse 7.

But this abundance is not just for Israel; the last line of the psalm relates the promises to the “whole earth,” tying it to the promise given to Abraham in Genesis 12:3. Also, notice in Psalm 72:17 that the blessing is for “all nations.”

But, these physical blessings are depending on the moral quality of justice which was to characterize the king’s reign. The just reign is noticed in verses 2-4 and 12-14. “Righteousness” and “justice” are in conformity with the ethical standards or norms set by God in His law. Notice especially those who are the recipients of this “justice:” verses 2, 4, 12-13. And those who should fear “righteousness:” verses 4, 13-14.

So we see a similarity between this psalm and the one at 146: crushing the oppressor while simultaneously supporting or defending the one who is oppressed.

Therefore, it is not a surprise that Psalm 72 begins with the call for the king to be just. Notice how, in the prophets, the call for justice is linked to the Holy Spirit: Isaiah 42:1-8; 61:1-3.

So, justice, especially related to the vulnerable, is the foundation of the royal office and the basis for a prosperous rule.

CHRIST’S JUSTICE:
Jesus was in His hometown when He first introduced Himself to the world, according to Luke’s gospel: 4:18-19.

So Jesus spent the vast majority of His time with the people who were ignored by their society. While He did not avoid eating with the religious leaders, He chose to spend most of His time with the common, even despised people. And, of course, He died just as many of the despised of the world died.

You and I need to continue Christ’s role is helping there be justice in the world. Acts shows us the attitude that the early Christians had for the oppressed of society: Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37. Widows were given a daily distribution of food (Acts 6) and we see they were to be “enrolled” with the church in 1 Timothy 5:9.

Again, it is no surprise that Jesus calls on His followers to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). What did Jesus tell the “rich, young ruler” to do? Matthew 19:21.

However, even the church of Christ in the first century had to deal with their own prejudices against the poor as we see in James 2:1-7. James called on those Christians to show their faith by their works: 2:8-26. The context of Paul’s discussion of the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 is wealthier Christians ignoring and segregating themselves from the poorer Christians.

Care for the poor will entail positive action within our society. We also see that justice involves frustrating the action of those in power who are abusing the vulnerable.

Take home message: Live Christ’s justice and righteousness in your world.