But that is not the point. Keep in mind the sunny image of where I would otherwise be abiding and now add this to the wintry mix. My car has been in the shop FOUR times since arriving here in frigid NY three weeks ago. The last visit two days ago was to clean the headlights inside and out that were nearly completely opaque due to gunk, tree-sap, and age. Now fast forward to my drive home at twilight last night, back to my brother's house where I am staying for this indeterminate length of time visiting Mom. A cop followed me, then turned on his flashing lights.
Surely he wasn't after me. I never speed, I drive carefully, and I abide by the spirit and letter of the law. Then he put on his siren. I pulled over. I kept my trembling hands on the wheel, knowing my hubby says never let your hands move out of the cop's sight.
He knocked on the window and I lowered it, carefully removing my hand from the wheel.
"License and registration," he said.
I was too scared to ask what on earth he was stopping me for. Instead, I fought back tears.
As I fumbled for my license, he told me, "You have a front headlight out."
I forgot my fear, and instead considered the injustice of the universe.
"You are kidding!" I cried, "I JUST had my car in to Precision Auto for work on the headlights. That's after my windshield washers froze twice, and my battery died, and I had to bring it in four times, all because I am here to care for my poor mother who fell and broke her hip and elbow three weeks ago."
I batted tears from spilling over. Surely this officer who upholds justice would recognize the injustice of writing me a ticket.
"I have to issue a ticket, Ma'am," he said, but it was with gentleness in his voice. "You just bring this to Precision Auto, have them fill it out, and fix your light, and then send it here" (he pointed to an address) "and there will be no fine and no points on your license."
I nodded, and thanked him.
The Bible tells us God is perfect in justice. Where is the justice in this? If this is all a reward for my love and care of my mother, I am missing something.
Now don't get your theological panties in a wad. There are some things I know to be true. God is perfect in all things, including justice. He gives us a deep sense of indignity when justice is NOT served here on Earth. (As I have personally felt to the utmost on this visit to this icy North.) But the Bible promises that there will be a day of reckoning. That is good. The bad news is every one of us will be found wanting when the heavenly scales are brought to the Pearly Gate of the Heavenly Courthouse. Every one of us deserves a "ticket" for our sins, and the penalty for sin is DEATH. So we who clamor for justice should keep this in mind.
Fortunately, God is not only perfect in justice, but also in mercy. He has provided perfect justice, where the full penalty of transgression is paid, and perfect mercy where we are not eternally in deep trouble. In His mercy, He gave us his Son, Jesus, who paid the penalty we owed. ALL we have to do is agree to hand Him our "ticket" which He will pay in full, and then dedicate our life to His control. Win/win.
1. Micah 6:8 He has made it clear to you, mortal man, what is good and what the LORD is requiring from you— to act with justice, to treasure the LORD’s gracious love, and to walk humbly in the company of your God.
2. Isaiah 56:1 This is what the LORD says: “Be just and fair to all. Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you.
3. Proverbs 18:5 It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.
4. Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
5. Proverbs 17:15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.
Oh man...all will be well.
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