System of Justice

Like most everyone, I watch a newscast to see what is going on in the world and for me, it is usually cable news that I tune into. Occasionally, unlike a majority of people, I turn it to a different channel to see what the other side is saying and while the channels do have an agenda, it seems that the stations are saying the same thing and this is not because the news they report on is the same but rather, they do have a particular agenda.

At first, it does sound good that different news stations with political agenda are arriving at the same conclusion but again, it’s not because they are taking the same story and reporting on it fairly and accurately but instead, these news stations are trying to sell a narrative that is not true. The narrative that is being sold does differ on which day of the week and what story is being discussed and it should come as no surprise that of all the news networks, magazine and newspaper outlets, and media platforms are nearly owned by the same people.

In fact, ninety percent of the media in the United States is controlled by four conglomerates so it should be easier to understand why the agendas are the same. This is why Attorney General William Barr has recently stated that people do feel that there are two standards of justice—one for those in power and with connections and one for everyone else. To this point, he stresses that he wants to restore confidence in the system and I do pray that he is able to do this because liberty and justice are two issues that scripture speaks so highly of and these are two issues that Americans should value highly.

Psalms 106:3 reads “Blessed [are] they that keep judgment, [and] he that doeth righteousness at all times” and while judgment is good, there can be no certainty or faith that justice is for the people if there is a belief that there are two standards of justice in our country. The whole idea of justice is based on the idea that all men are created equal by our creator and liberty is found only when there is justice for all. For Christians, this liberty and the freedoms that come from our acceptance of Christ can only be found in our Savior: “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Because of this, we should desire to become servants for righteousness: “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:18). When we are talking about a secular rule or law of justice, justice is usually something that is lost among many people and this is true regardless of what race or ethnicity you are, your gender, and on and on. It is important to note that when I say a secular rule or law of justice, I am referring to a justice system that does not look at a particular religious institution for its foundation but it’s also important to realize that our system of justice was founded or built upon the Judeo-Christian system of justice particularly the ten commandments and the fact that many lawmakers and politicians have gone away from the justice of scripture is a good starting point for why justice eludes so many.

Something that I have pointed out in different writings is that Pontius Pilate, while observing and trying to make a decision on the fate of Jesus, was looking for truth. He asked Christ His story and other important issues and while Pilate found no fault with the man, he was fearful of what his decision would mean for his position and standing in—and with—the government. We can go back and forth in what Pilate’s intentions were and whether or not anything could have changed his mind but with that said, I do believe that God knew what was needed to accomplish His ultimate plan and He knew the weaknesses of Pilate and used the authority and power of his position to accomplish this plan. Pilate asked Christ the question “what is truth” but he did not realize that truth was starring him right in the face and this is something that so many of us in America seem to miss. To answer the question about truth, Christ says “….I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Christ also adds “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).