Pray For The Peace of Jerusalem
The Names and Titles of God (The Just One) Acts 7:52
King James Version
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Frequently, I find myself behind a car sporting this Bumper Sticker:
NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE.
Like many slogans, it seems quite pithy upon first reading, but, when stuck behind a car with this sticker on it for several miles, I get the opportunity to think it over, and decipher what it Really means. That's the danger of slogans. They can be interpreted and parsed to death if given the time. Sloganeering is the exact opposite of Reasoned Debate.
Here are some of the possible meanings of "No Justice, No Peace":
1. An Unjust Society will always have conflict. Therefore, No Peace.
2. A Society that doesn't Punish Crime will end up being Lawless. No Justice. (I'll bet the Bumper Sticker Sporters never thought of that angle.)
3. A Society that oppresses one group for tiny infractions, and lets another group skate for larger crimes is not just. (No Justice)
4. If the Society doesn't cede power to one aggrieved group over another, the group will make trouble, and there will therefore be No Peace.
5. I will give you NO PEACE until YOU give ME what I want.
I have no doubt that the Bumper Sticker Sporter embraced #4 and #5, but #2 and #3 are just as valid interpretations, and is proven in many cities where crime is no longer prosecuted. A better "slogan" would be:
EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER THE LAW,
but I suppose that would be asking too much. I don't want to get too political on these Threads, because they ARE supposed to be "Devotional Reading". Today's Name for Christ, however, prompted these thoughts. Once again, a look at the context and the Original Language is helpful.
The Book of Acts shows us several instances of the Apostles and Deacons being dragged before a Court of Law for the acts of Preaching, Teaching, Proclaiming, and Healing. (such vicious crimes!) Overcoming False Accusations and Debate have become time-consuming and frustrating hindrances to their Mission. Perhaps in a sarcastic response to the nonsensical charges levied against him, Peter brings up the unpleasant topic of Religious Leaders persecuting and killing the very People God has sent to them. He calls Jesus The Just One" (or some translations: "The Righteous One." δίκαιος (dikaios) Strong's 1342.
This name indicates much more than "Not Guilty". It conveys Goodness, Fairness, Justice, Innocence, Correctness, and Forthrightness. It is NOT "Self-Righteousness", but instead a All-Encompassing, Balanced, Serene, Goodness that extends Peace to all Around. However,without Justice, that is , Righting Wrongs, Punishing Evil, and Correcting Injustice, there can be no peace.
That brings another Bumper Sticker to mind. (I've been caught behind this one too.):
"KNOW JESUS, KNOW PEACE".
Not only is it a good transition from the other, it is a good pun as well.
Come and Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem, For Our FRiends in Need, For Persecuted Believers, and For Our Beloved Nation.
For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. (Mark 4:22)
God Bless America.
Blessings To All Who Visit This Garden of Prayer.
Hallelujah and Amen
ML/LTOS