Cries for justice sound out constantly in our world, and rightfully so. Humankind finds new ways to harm one another with every generation. But on what basis do we appeal for justice?

Ethan the Ezrahite, a young man in David’s court, wrote of the ultimate source of justice: Righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.

The ruling seat of God rests on twin foundations of righteousness and justice. Truths found in the Word of God lead us to virtue. Without the Lord, without his Scriptures, without the transcendent, upon what does one base a sense of justice and righteousness?

Marx called religion the opiate of the masses, and built a governing system on the will of the elite. Hitler built another on power, and Freud moved our ideas of justice and right living toward sexual liberation. Neither these or any other philosophies rejecting God resulted in human flourishing. Today the idea of self as center dominates, yet justice remains ever elusive.

With no ultimate standard, we devolve into base creatures, interacting with one another like snarling dogs. Choose a better way. Build on the right foundation. Walk in the light of the Lord.

Psalm 89 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Angel Luciano