[The Mayor]

[The Mayor]

January 16, 2006

Doing Justice

Read:
Exodus 23:1-9

You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice. —Exodus 23:2

Bible In One Year: Genesis 39-40; Matthew 11

In the decades since the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the US national holiday established to commemorate his birth has also become a day to remember the cause in which he gave his life.

During the '50s and '60s, Dr. King led a nonviolent struggle against racial discrimination and issued a plea for the civil rights of African-Americans. His goal was justice and equality based on human dignity, not skin color.

From Old Testament days until now, God has commanded His people to exercise justice in their dealings with others. "You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice" (Exodus 23:2).

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8).

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for doing their religious duties while neglecting "justice and the love of God" (Luke 11:42).

To treat people with fairness and integrity is part of our responsibility as Christians. Standing publicly for what is right is required of us as well.

May we honor God by living out truth in action in our world today. —David McCasland

Justice is the clarion call for Christians—
We cannot step aside from what God said;
He has told us how to treat our neighbor,
And we must follow in the path He's led. —Hess

God's standard of justice leaves no room for prejudice.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Finding Peace In A World Of Racial Conflict

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

060114-N-8637R-003 Eastern Atlantic (Jan. 14, 2006) - A rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) from the frigate USS Carr (FFG 52) assists a distressed vessel off the coast of Sierra Leone, Africa. The vessel was spotted by lookouts from the 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20). Both ships were heading for waters off the coast of Monrovia, Liberia to help commemorate the inauguration of newly elected President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, on Jan. 16. The small craft, with a crew of 6 men, had been at sea for 35 days and was without a working motor, food, or water. Within two hours, crew members dispatched from USS Carr had the vessel moving under it's own power and had replenished supplies with enough food and fuel to get the vessel back to land safely. U.S. Navy Photo by Journalist 1st Class Kurt Riggs (RELEASED)

Each chain link weights 360 lbs.:

060112-N-4166B-056 Pacific Ocean (Jan. 12, 2006) - The port side anchor chains is released into the Pacific Ocean from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a Precision Sea and Anchor detail off the coast of San Diego. Lincoln is underway off the coast of Southern California for a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) inspection and the final Fleet Response Plan (FRP) readiness training. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jordon R. Beesley (RELEASED)

Each anchor weighs 30 tons:

060112-N-4166B-024 Pacific Ocean (Jan. 12, 2006) - The port side Mark II Stockless Anchor is raised aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) after conducting a precision sea and anchor detail off the coast of San Diego. Lincoln is underway off the coast of Southern California for a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) inspection and the final Fleet Response Plan (FRP) readiness training. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jordon R. Beesley (RELEASED)