A series looking at justice, another of the most important words in the Bible, that knits the bible together cover-to-cover.
| Video Message | Resources |
| Week 1: The God of Justice | Monday Memo notes Doing Justice this Week How can you “do justice” this week, drawing from what we covered in the sermon? 1. Spend some time thinking through what forces and groups have influenced how you view “justice,” and perhaps how they’ve limited your perspective. 2. As you listen to the news or hear about different issues, prioritize how they might affect the most vulnerable, the poor, or the marginalized…and in so doing, know that you’re beginning to look at things more like God does. 3. Ask God for the opportunity to a) pull someone out of the river, and b) help someone not fall in the river (or speak up for those who are in danger of falling into the river.) 4. One day this week try to stay conscious of the fact that God wants justice for each and every person you see or with whom you interact. God doesn’t just love them as beloved children; God wants justice for them. This kind of intentional practice will change both your heart and the way you see the world. |
| Week 2: Do as God Has Done for You (The Mosaic Law) | Monday Memo notes Justice in the Mosaic Law this Week 1. Probably the best thing you could this week is read some of the moral and social law in The Torah, given that – you know – we as Christians aren’t known for spending a lot of time there. As you read these passages, remember that they are guidelines or a direction, and are spent to shape our moral conscience so that we respond to situations or needs that the O.T. Law never anticipated: – Exodus 22.21-27 – Exodus 23.1-9 – Leviticus 19.9-37 – Deuteronomy 15.1-18 – Deuteronomy 16.18-20 – Deuteronomy 24.10-21 If it helps, here are some questions to ask as you read these texts (as provided by Christopher J. H. Wright, from his book on Old Testament ethics): – What kind of situation or behavior is this text trying to promote or prevent? – Who is the law aiming to protect? – Who would benefit from this law, and why? – What misuse of power is the text addressing? How is it channeling or redirecting power and influence? – What rights and/or responsibilities are inherent in the text? – What vision for society does the text have? – What moral values is the text trying to shape within God’s people that can be used in other situations? – What sanctions or penalties are in the text? What blessings? 2. Read a little Jonathan Sacks (former chief rabbi of the United Kingdom) on justice in the Mosaic Law: Tzedek: Justice and Compassion and The Parameters of Justice 3. Try this 40 min. podcast from The Bible Project on what the Mosaic Law is and isn’t…we might not agree with it 100% but it’s a good place to start: The Reason the Old Testament Laws Exist • The Law Ep. 1 |
| Week 3: | Monday Memo notes |
| Week 4: | Monday Memo notes |
| Week 5: | Monday Memo notes |
| Week 6: | Monday Memo notes |