Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue. (Deuteronomy 16:20)
Justice is not necessarily the law, but the spirit of what is right and wrong, but let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. (Amos 5:24) Justice evolves and changes as it is applied with faith, values, and passion. True justice is tempered with mercy and love.
Centuries ago, it was known far and wide that a certain leader was the greatest in all the tribes. When power was measured by proving superior physical strength, the most powerful tribe of all was the one that had the strongest leader who defined justice for the people.
But this tribal leader was also known for his wisdom. In order to help his people live safely and peacefully, he carefully put laws and a system of justice into place guiding every aspect of tribal life. The leader enforced those laws strictly and had long ago acquired a reputation for uncompromising justice.
In spite of the laws, there were problems. One day it came to the leader’s attention that someone in the tribe was stealing. He called the people together.
“You know that the laws are for your protection, to help you live safely and in peace,” he reminded them, his eyes heavy with sadness because of his love for them. “This stealing must stop. We all have what we need. The penalty has been increased from ten to twenty lashes from the whip for the person caught stealing.
Then again the thief continued to take things that didn’t belong to him, so the leader called all the people together again.
“Please hear me,” he pled with them. “This must stop. It hurts us all and makes us feel bad about each other. The penalty has been increased to thirty lashes.
Still, the stealing continued. The leader gathered the people together once more.
“Please, I’m begging you. For your sake, this has to stop. The pain it is causing among us is too great. The penalty has been increased to forty lashes from the whip.” The people knew of their leader’s great love for them, but only those closest to him saw the single tear make its way slowly down his face as he dismissed the gathering.
Finally, a man came to say the thief had been caught. The word had spread. Everyone had gathered to see who it was, and the thief was dragged through the crowd.
A single gasp raced through the crowd as the thief emerged between two guards. The tribal leader’s face fell in shock and grief.The thief was his very own mother, old and frail.
What will he do? the people wondered aloud, a hushed murmur fanning out. Would he uphold the law or would his love for his mother win over it? The people waited, talking quietly collectively holding their breath.
Finally their leader spoke. “My beloved people.” His voice broke. In little more than a whisper he continued, “It is for our safety and our peace. There must be forty lashes; the pain this crime has caused is too great.” With his nod, the guards led his mother forward. One gently removed her robe to expose a bony and crooked back. The appointed man stepped forward and began to unwind the whip.
At the same moment, the leader stepped forward and removed his robe as well, exposing his broad shoulders, seasoned and solid. Tenderly, he wrapped his arms around his dear mother, shielding her with his own body.
He whispered gently against her cheek as his tears blended with hers. He nodded once more, and the whip came down again and again.
A single moment, yet in that moment, love and justice found an eternal harmony.
May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)
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Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)