The LORD executes righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. Psalm 103:6
From a purely physical perspective, it doesn’t always look like that to us, does it? My last post was from a conversational journal passage about the unrighteous judge. God, on the other hand, is a righteous Judge for all that are oppressed. That invites the question, are we oppressed? I believe that is a perspective that we often have because there has been some truth to it for all and that may be the actively downward-spiraling situation for others.
When Peter was sent to by the Spirit to minister the Gospel to Cornelius and his household, his discourse included this:
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Acts 10:38
Well, what manner of oppression might this be?
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10
(This verse in John 10 is in the middle of a parable where Jesus is describing Himself as the Good Shepherd.)
Is something stealing your peace? Have you been involuntarily divested of property? Is health being destroyed in some fashion? Has death darkened the door of your house yet? If not, certainly the door of friends and loved ones. The methods of such oppression are varied and far reaching.
That is what makes the message of 1 John 3:8 so encouraging.
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8
It is by sin that the devil gained access to trouble mankind with all manner of things leading ultimately to death. All of us have sinned and continue to do so. So what of Jesus’ statement that He came to give us abundant life? That is the good news, for sure.
I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10:9
(Remember in John 10, Jesus was likening Himself to a good shepherd.)
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21
The remainder of Psalm 103 gives quite a list of benefits we can expect from the Righteous Judge. It is certainly worth frequent reading to be reminded of God’s mercy, redemption, compassion, and more.
I will leave you with a cautionary reminder for all of us.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
On the positive side, this is great news given to believers in Jesus! But even for believers, the corollary is that the devil will not flee without resistance. Continuing to engage in intentional sin is not resistance, and in fact gives him further access.
Though His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), choose you this day whom you will serve. (Joshua 24:15)
Missionary Sojourn 
One of the things that amazes me is that Jesus went through His whole life knowing that it would end on the cross. And even with that knowledge, He was kind, gentle, forgiving, teaching, helping. Yes, He did it for the joy set before Him. But I’m promised some of that joy, and I can be in a yucky mood all day if I have a later meeting that I’d rather avoid. Guess I still have some growing to do.
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Hi Steve! Thanks for reading and commenting! We all have some growing to do! On the point of recognizing He was going to the cross his whole life, it is clear that he knew at some point and as you observe, it didn’t even put a dent in His loving demeanor. My current belief about God’s omniscience operating in Jesus, is that He intentionally laid that aside (like He refused to turn stones into bread when hungry after a 40-day fast) and lived as we must, listening to the Holy Spirit for revelation and guidance. If I assume, as some do, that Jesus walked on the earth regularly exercising all the power of the Godhead (which He has) and knowing the end from the beginning, then my ability to follow His example is totally wrecked. For though He is God, I am not. One issue that I have not worked out to any level of satisfaction is that though all things have been made new in my born-again spirit, I still must renew a mind beleaguered by sin and bad habits. It seems Jesus never polluted His mind with those hindrances. (Though maybe He played with my handicap.)
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Jon, this is not at all a test of fellowship – there’s a certain core that someone has to believe to be a Christian – and this is not part of that group. I think that Jesus remained fully God while being fully man. I don’t know how that worked – did a 6-month-old Jesus say “Mom, that coin rolled into the corner near the door”? I doubt that, but he retained at least some of His omniscience (knowing the woman at the well had five previous husbands) and omnipotence (His miracles). Hadn’t really thought about it much. As for renewing my mind (and character) I think that will be a battle for as long as we’re alive. On the bright side, I’m reading John Piper’s Desiring God, and one of the ways he talks about glorifying God is in our weakness, where He can be mighty and strong. It’s interesting, and I’m not sure I agree with everything he says, but it’s compelling and backed with scripture.
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