Deeper Reflection
THERE WILL COME A DAY WHEN INJUSTICE NO LONGER exists (vv.10-13). As promised, God will create new heavens and a new earth,⁴⁷ and fully and finally deliver the world from evil and wickedness forever.⁴⁸ That day is coming soon. It is known variously as “the day of the Lord”, “the day of judgment”, “the appearing of the Lord” and “the Second Coming of Christ”. On that day, God “will wipe away every tear from [His people’s] eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev 21:4). God has said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Rev 21:5).In view of the above, let us consider the following four aspects in relation to social action: • Perspective: Injustice will never be fully eradicated apart from God’s timetable and action. It requires the complete destruction of everyone in whom any wickedness or evil resides.⁴⁹ That means every unjustified human being!⁵⁰ Therefore, Christians should both proclaim the Gospel and work to reduce injustice in society. • Posture: Christians are servants of God and His representatives in the world. We have been commanded to love our neighbours and even our enemies.⁵¹ • Practical Outworking: Christians need to know how best to engage in political discussion and social action. We must not blindly adopt Western approaches nor unthinkingly leverage technology. Understanding people’s sensitivities and situational realities, our passion to act must be balanced with the patience to see results. • Power: Power ultimately belongs to God.⁵² We need to learn to depend on God’s power through perseverance and boldness in our prayers.

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⁴⁷ Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; Romans 8:21; Revelation 21:1. ⁴⁸ Isaiah 60:21; 65:25; Revelation 21:8, 27. ⁴⁹ Revelation 21:8; 22:3. ⁵⁰ Only those justified by faith in Jesus Christ will not be condemned: Romans 5:1-2; 8:1-2. ⁵¹ Mark 12:28-34; Luke 6:27-36. ⁵² Psalm 62:11; 2 Corinthians 4:7.