Family Time…God’s Servant and Justice
Have you heard of the “Justice League of America?” Your kids have. It is the name of the super hero group of Super Man, Wonder Woman, etc.. But do you think your kids understand the name and what justice is? Justice can have several definitions depending on how it is used. I think that kids do understand that the idea of the super hero is to fight things that are “wrong” and stand for things that are “right.” Kids understand justice has to do with right and wrong. In the Bible, it is the same. This month’s family time topic from the “Sky Ranch Family Devotional: Follow the Leader” is on “Jesus was sent as God’s Servant“ and the weekly discussion is on “God’s Servant and justice.“ In the Bible, justice has more to do with being in right standing or on right terms with God. God gives you a list of right and wrong behaviors such as the 10 commandments (Exodus 20) or the golden rule of treat others in the way that you want to be treated (Luke 6:31). Then, God tells you to live the way that He is declaring right; but in our own strength, you and I can’t do that…and we sin (or miss the mark) of doing “right” in God’s eyes. God sent Jesus to pay the penalty for your failures (or sin) and it is because of your faith in Jesus that God will declare you “right” with Him (or justify you). Help your family define right and wrong based on God’s values.
As a Mom, I passed on my Biblical views often in political discussions around elections, especially the Presidential elections. I found it was a great time to bring up discussions that were age appropriate of…what does the Bible say about various political views? I felt it was important to pass on to my kids the impact the Bible should make on your political beliefs. Based on your kid’s age, they may not be ready for the hot topics of abortion and homosexual marriage, but you can start with discussions on justice and basic ideas of right and wrong based on the Bible. God explains that it is important to help the poor…but is that for the government or the church to do? Or both? And God also teaches that each person is to work hard and pay their own way. So, how does it all fit together? The American founding fathers were very Biblically grounded men. I took the opportunity to talk about how these views have shaped our country and our government and I defined our family’s stance on these values as well. As a Mom, I feel some of the biggest opportunities that I have to make a difference in our world is to pass on to my kids… the reality of how God’s view in scripture is lived out in our family lifestyle and in our country’s values.
This week in your family time, I would encourage you to prepare by praying for your family and ask God to show you the best way to explain “Justice.” Pray that God will give you the opportunity to explain any issue on right and wrong that may need to be covered in your family. Sometimes parents don’t even realize their kids need more explanation on an area. Ask God to give you that insight. Ask God the best way to explain to your kids… the government values of our country, the best way to pass on your family values…and the best way to explain how both align with Biblical teaching.
Do you have questions or need prayer for your family? Email me at SkyMoms@skyranch.org.
I will be praying for you!
Stacy
Stacy A. Davis
Sky Ranch Family Devotionals and
Teach Intentionally Author
This week we are in the 3rd Topic and 11th Family Time (or page 29) of the Sky Ranch Devotional “Follow the Leader”…
Family Time 11:
Topic 3: Jesus was sent as God’s Servant…God’s Servant and justice
Talk with God: Read…Scriptures and questions below.
Isaiah 42:1 “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one [in whom] My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry out or raise [His voice,] Nor make His voice heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed He will not break, And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.”
- In Isaiah 42:1, what is God’s Chosen One called?
Matthew 12:15 But Jesus, aware of [this,] withdrew from there. And many followed Him, and He healed them all, 16 and warned them not to make Him known, 17 in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, might be fulfilled, saying, 18 “Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen; My Beloved in whom My soul is well-pleased; I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 19 He will not quarrel, nor cry out; Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. 20 A battered reed He will not break off, And a smoldering wick He will not put out, Until He leads justice to victory.”
- According to Matthew 12:17, is Jesus the Servant that is mentioned in Isaiah?
Walk with God: Discuss… In the Jewish scripture written before Jesus arrived on earth, God tells us to look for Jesus as a Servant that will bring forth justice. How does Jesus bring justice to you and your family?
Prayer suggestion… Ask God to help you understand how Jesus saves you.
Family Time 11:
Leader Answers:
- God’s Servant
- Yes
- Discussion ideas: God tells you ahead so that you won’t miss that Jesus was to be a Servant as well as a King. Jesus brings justice to you by His paying the penalty for your sins on the cross and justifying you with God. In Galatians 2:16, you are justified (declared in right standing with God) by faith in Jesus. How does Jesus bring justice to the nations?
© 2012 Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.
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