Part of living between the ages is having to deal with the tension and disappointments of seeing injustice rule. We pray, we flight and our hearts break with compassion and mercy…and yet we still seem to run into brick walls or fall onto the landmines of life.

It is as my lovely wife said this weekend (paraphrased)

“We shouldn’t be asking why bad things happen as we live in an unjust world where evil rules. Instead we should be surprised and thankful that anything good happens at all!”

Accordingly I would like to share with you two examples of Jesus righting wrongs and loving people.

The first example happened Sunday afternoon after a long weekend full of business meetings, vision casting and work with the church leadership team. We all were looking forward to a few hours of downtime when someone called in pain and agony and asked if we could come and pray.

It was almost as if Jesus was saying, “Now that you are done with your business, how about you join me in mine.”

Arriving, we found our friend curled up in pain from an ailment unknown to the doctors despite multiple trips to the emergency room and a barrage of tests. With breaking hearts we fell down at the side of the bed and begin to pray asking Jesus to take away the pain.

For over an hour we prayed, our hearts breaking as the tides of pain sweep across the face of our beloved. Moment by moment, ever so slowly the pain begin to lessen and the breath of life – of oxygen and air – came easier. When we finally left our friend’s face was better – visibly different as the pain retreated.

Was it a complete healing? No – but we saw a difference and we will continue to fight for her both through modern medicine (if they can find anything) and prayer before the throne of God.

My second example of justice breaking into this unjust world comes in the form of forgiveness.

So often we hold on to the pain caused to us, crying out for revenge against those who wronged us. It is a natural thing – yet something akin to the rot or gangrene which destroys our lives from within.

Lately another beloved friend has allows Jesus to clean out the wounds of yesteryear with the healing salve of the Spirit. No longer will bitterness and hurt rule in this life –light and peace now fills this heart to the point that their face shines with the glory of God.

Yes injustice and evil runs through the streets, but Jesus Himself walks among us, with us, beside us and changes us through His touch.