Tuesday, December 09, 2003

Justice Isn't Always Easy

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Is.30:18

But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.
Hos.12:6

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom. 5:1
many of you may have already heard of the trial where the Congressman from South Dakota, William (Bill) Janklow, has be convicted of manslaughter. Click here to read more about it. since i grew up in South Dakota, and my parents still are residence of this state, i have some connection to the case. i know the corner where the accident occurred. i lived in the state while mr. janklow was governor.

but that all being said, it is still difficult to hear the verdict. most people assumed he would be convicted of the crime, but it is still a surprise to know your house of representative congressman will need to resign because of an accident which occurred in august. so now south dakota is without a voice in the House until one can be elected, which i believe is about 4 months from now.

so, that all being said, there is a bigger picture. the picture includes God in all His glory sitting as a judge for us on the day of His return. i don't know where mr. janklow stands with the Lord, but i've heard story that bill doesn't acknowledge Jesus as his Lord. i am not the judge of that decision, but i can get on my knees and pray for he and his family to experience the grace of Jesus Christ. it is a grace which can heal the hurt in their hearts, a grace which will humble the proud and uphold the brokenhearted. it is a grace which can forgive our sin, and renew us in the likeness of Christ Jesus Himself. it is profound, how God in heaven, can rescue us from the dominion of darkness. so i ask myself, what am i doing to expand the kingdom of heaven? how much time are we spending on our knees, pleading with God to find me, our friends and family innocent by the blood of Jesus Christ?

Jesus,
i praise You with all that i am, for You have graced me with Your salvation. You've called me by name, and have written my name in Your book of life. oh how i rejoice in this salvation which You've blessed upon me. i come before You, Jesus, pleading for Your grace to be upon the family of bill janklow. may he and his family come to know You and Your grace in a way which transforms their lives. may You receive the praise and glory for this radical change. may You also be upon the jurists as they have to live with this decision, and get back to the normal routine of living. may You embrace them, giving them hope, which only comes thru You. thanks for hearing my prayer. i love You, Lord.
it's in Jesus' name, i pray ~ Amen.
*jurists * bill *russ

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