Doing Justice and Loving Mercy: Compassion Ministries, Mentor's Guide, MG16

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D O I N G J U S T I C E A N D L O V I N G M E R C Y : C O M P A S S I O N M I N I S T R I E S

D. God demands justice and mercy: he punished those who trampled the poor and the hurting.

1. God’s anger was unloosed on those who abused the poor among the covenant people, Ezek. 22.23-31.

2. God promised not to forget the deeds done against the powerless in the nation, Amos 8.4-7.

3. The inhabitants of Jerusalem are admonished because they failed to share with the needy, Mal. 3.5.

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E. Implications

1. God’s people were to reflect the reality that they were a special kingdom people demonstrating his justice to the nations, Exod. 19.5-6.

2. The vulnerable and hurting were to be cared for with great grace, since God ransomed Israel from great hurt and abuse, Lev. 19.34.

3. God would not let oppression within the covenant community go unpunished, Job 5.11-16.

III. The Church as God’s Kingdom Community: Revealing Justice and Mercy

A. A new identity: the Church as God’s covenant/kingdom people