Fed with Justice

Melissa Logsdon – July 16, 2024 1 Comment

This morning I got up reflecting on the value of the Revised Lectionary as a resource for reading the Bible. I didn’t grow up in a church that used the Lectionary. At church services the passages were either selected by going through a topical series or by going through a book of the Bible verse by verse. So, in my individual reading of scripture I usually flip between these two “reading plans”.

What I find fascinating about the Lectionary is the pairing of the “Old Testament” passages with “New Testament” passages and the themes drawn forth from those who organized the Lectionary. Last fall, the Revised Lectionary placed these 2 passages together: Ezekiel 34 & Matthew 25.

God goes on to declare, “I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak…I will feed them, yes—feed them justice! …So I will rescue my flock, and they will no longer be abused…”–Ezekiel 34:16‭b, ‬22a NLT

After my teaching this past Sunday on Good News of Provision for All, my mind went back to these passages. These passages focus on God feeding people with the justice they hunger for, and the call for us to do likewise.

God heals us and strengthens us.

God feeds us with Justice.

Not only does God care for our needs, God brings justice…calling out the wrongdoing against God’s people and ensuring that they will no longer be able to continue to be abused.

God is constantly calling out the need to care for those that society ignores and abuses. And in Jesus’ ministry, he continuously teaches and models God’s heart of Justice. God’s kingdom brings peace and wholeness and justice–not just for a few–but for all! 

Jesus reiterates this promise when he declares, “Happy are people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because they will be fed until they are full.”–Matthew 5:6 CEB

Both Ezekiel 34 & Matthew 25 in their entirety are beautiful pictures of justice with the image of a flock being cared for by a good shepherd. 

In Matthew 25, Jesus explains our role in caring for the hurting and hungry: We get to partner with God in extending God’s Kingdom of Justice and Love to the one before us. And Jesus shares a mystery with us: when we are caring for others’ needs, we are in some way directly showing love TO God.

“…I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”–Jesus (Matthew‬ ‭25:‬40‬ ‭NLT)

May we continue to pursue Justice for ALL!–Melissa Logsdon, NCF Associate Pastor