Even courts and judges in many countries are victims of polarisation, politicalization, radicalisation, and corruption. The quest for justice is not quenched. Moses, a great lawgiver, writes: “And I charged your judges at that time, ‘Hear the cases between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother or the alien who is with him. You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. “ (Deuteronomy 1:16-17)
Hear cases: The task of judges is to hear cases. In many courts, the judges just postpone the cases and ignore the long-pending cases. For the sake of publicity, some like to hear about some high-profile cases.
Righteousness: Judges are called to proclaim the righteousness of God as judgment. Fear of God, Godly discernment, and diligence are needed for effective delivery of justice.
Alien and strangers: Judges are expected to treat all as equals. Citizens do not have privileges to do whatever they like, and non-citizens are punished.
No partiality: God does not show favouritism. (James 2:11) Hence, Judges should not show favouritism, partiality, prejudice, and snobbery. Nepotism, affinity of caste, class and race, and bribery should not derail justice.
Small and great: Before the judgment seat, all are equal in the sight of law. There could be wealthy, politically powerful, and socially influential, but in the court, they are equal like poor, powerless, and marginalized.
Be not intimidated: Criminals will always try to harass, threaten, and intimidate the judges. They could use various methods to achieve their desires. However, judges should not fear them, but fear God alone.
Judgement is God’s: Judges are accountable to God, not just to the systems and structures. They are judges, as God ordained them to be judges. God expects judges to represent His holiness, truth, righteousness, and justice. If they fail to deliver justice, they misrepresent God, trust and faith in justice is eradicated, and victims lose hope. God desires justice flow like a stream, righteousness like a never-drying river. (Amos 5:24)
Am I a facilitator of justice?