5 minute read
Justice Is Elemental to Life
BY MARC WOODSON
At the time of this writing, Adventists throughout the Pacific Union Conference have been thinking, marching, and participating in conversations about justice—more than we have in decades. I have been listening to a lot of stories. Some are told with tears, some with anger, and some with resignation. I have some stories of my own. One June morning, before I left to go on my regular walk around the neighborhood, my wife, Marlene, asked me to be very careful. She told me to take a video if I was stopped by the police. Police harassment is not new to me. I can't tell you how many times I've been stopped and frisked or pulled over by police and had guns drawn on me. This is a common story among Africa Americans. However, this day it hit me hard that my wife was concerned for my safety during a simple walk in our neighborhood. Some time ago, my mother wanted to transfer from Oakwood College to another Adventist college to take nursing. She was accepted on the condition that she find another African American woman to be her roommate. I wish I could report that racism like this only existed in the past. Sadly, I’ve also heard stories about more recent incidents within Adventist churches and schools. Racism is a historic, and continuing, problem. Currently, there are many discussions about a term that some Adventists don’t like: social justice. In some of our churches, these are considered bad words. “The phrase ‘social justice’ is…misunderstood by many Adventists. To some, the phrase is a dog-whistle for a very political connotation,” writes Nelson Fernandez, pastor for administration and outreach at the Miami Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church in Florida.
He goes on to write: “In its basic essence, social justice is defined as ‘the fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, etc., are to be treated equally and without prejudice.’” (I encourage you to read his entire article about Adventism and social justice at https://bit. ly/3db7Nos.) By this definition, don’t we as Adventists have
the responsibility to work for social justice? Standing up for social justice means you believe all people have rights and have been created in the image of God, that each human deserves dignity—the same as we desire for ourselves.
Although we emphasize the grace that God wants us to show each other, the Bible clearly tells us that justice is just as important. “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8, NKJV). The Bible also clearly defines what justice is: “This is what the Lord says: Be fair-minded and just. Do what is right! Help those who have been robbed; rescue them from their oppressors. Quit your evil deeds! Do not mistreat foreigners, orphans, and widows. Stop murdering the innocent!” (Jeremiah 22:3, NLT). These are strong words, and when we reflect on them, we must apply them to what is going on in our country today. Fueled by the compassion of Christ, we advocate for justice to protect the vulnerable, stand up for those who are oppressed, walk alongside the wounded, and direct their gaze toward Jesus, the One who heals, restores, and redeems. “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:14, NLT). One of my favorite verses about justice is Amos 5:24: “But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream” (NKJV).
I am intrigued that Amos compared justice to water. Water is a fundamental element of this planet, and life would not exist without it. It is also one of the most powerful forces imaginable. It can smooth rocks and change the face of the earth itself! In case you’re in doubt, remember the 277-mile-long, 18-mile-wide Grand Canyon!
Marc Woodson, along with Pacific Union President Ricardo Graham and other pastors from around Northern California, participates in "Crucial Conversations," a live virtual forum on June 13 focusing on issues impacting people of color.
Similarly, justice is elemental to life on this planet and—when combined with righteousness, which is described as a mighty stream—it can be one of the most powerful forces to help us love our neighbors as ourselves. Together, justice and righteousness can erode prejudice and break through racism. They can wear down bigotry and tear through discrimination. Psalm 89:14 says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants” (NLT).
Incredible! The foundation of God’s throne is comprised of righteousness and justice, with love and truth leading the way. Our early Adventist pioneers spoke truth and showed love as they advocated for abolition, equality, and justice. As members of one of the most ethnically diverse Christian faiths, we as Seventh-day Adventists have a unique and transformative opportunity to demonstrate in both words and actions what it means to be inclusive, kind, just, gentle, and full of love for every person, no matter their differences.
We’re all familiar with the parable of the Good Samaritan. The priest and Levite—who represented the national and religious system— kept the Sabbath, tithed, and followed the strict dietary laws, yet they passed by their wounded brother on the road. Jesus’ parable ends when He asks the lawyer: “’Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who was beaten by the robbers?’ The man who knew the Law said, ‘The one who showed loving-pity on him.’ Then Jesus said, ‘Go and do the same’” (Luke 10:36-37, NLV). Today, let us prayerfully make our homes, churches, and schools into places where people find peace that passes all understanding and the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Let’s “Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:17, NKJV).
_______________________________________ Marc Woodson is the president of the Northern California Conference.
