Gardens of Justice

Twelfth Advent Reading

The Lord will bring about
justice and praise
in every nation on earth,
like flowers blooming in a garden.

Isaiah 61:11 (CEV)

The government of Iraq has a new slogan, “tourism not terrorism.” They have high hopes. It is perhaps one of the last places most tourists would think of going for a holiday. More than likely, the images streaming through our heads are views of devastation, drought, sand storms and death. And yet, at around 600 BC the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the seven wonders of the world. Even more poignant is the possibility that somewhere in the vicinity of Iraq was the first garden—Eden.

In a world that at times seems hopeless the Iraqi slogan is sobering. Whether they know it or not they are waiting for justice to reign. So much has been lost and memories of recent past are fading so that what remains is the passed down history of the dawn of time where justice, praise and peace were the government.

We like the sound of justice but it is difficult to come by when sinners rule. Adam was gifted with the knowledge of justice but believing the serpent’s lie altered his ability. As a result man’s focus turned inward instead of outward and justice took a back seat.

But there is hope! In the new heaven and new earth of God’s kingdom there will be no other governing power but his justice. Tears will be replaced with laughter, sorrow given over to joy and death turned into life. What was seen as lost will be found and the gardens of the world will bloom once again.

Creator God, let your
justice take control
of my heart, soul and mind, today.
Amen.