The King of Justice and Righteousness

Sometimes after serving with Street Outreach, I cannot fall asleep, my mind stuck on

those on the street I have just seen. When I see the grievous amount of destitution and violence on the streets, it is hard not to be discouraged. My heart breaks for the women with black eyes, the men with scarred hands, and the youth who are clearly inebriated. How can there be such hurt and injustice in the world?

When these questions swirl in my heart and soul, it is such sweet comfort to turn to

God’s word. From His word, we know that Jesus is King. Nothing on earth happens out of His control; there is nothing that He does not see or hear. He knows the pain of all the people on the street, and He sees and understands them more than I ever could.

Second, we know the Lord is a God of justice and righteousness (Isaiah 30:18). Not only

does He constantly practice justice and righteousness, they are His very nature, but He delights in it (Jeremiah 9:24). And, He expects people to practice it: “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute,” (Psalm 82:3). Therefore, God not only sees all that happens on the street but desires for justice and righteousness to reign there.

Jesus will come again and will bring justice and righteousness once and for all. All pain

and all injustice will end: there will be no more need for Street Outreach or Door Outreach or

Ottawa Innercity Ministries at all. What a glorious day that will be! So when I feel discouraged after seeing the poverty and sorrow on the streets, I remember that Jesus is our righteous and just King: now, always, and forever.

~Lydia, OIM Follower