Those Whose Cause is Just
Everyday Prayer with John Calvin
Scripture: Isaiah 10:1-4
This passage is a severe indictment aimed at those who hold power, whether it be the civil magistrate or leaders of churches. The issue is the same: they are heaping on the people unjust and burdensome laws and ruling with tyranny, forcing them into harmful and evil things. Note what the prophet states in 10:1, "Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees." The term ("woe") is pregnant with meaning. It is a word of great warning towards those who would commit such evil and decree such evil over the people. The description of the problem is evident: the leaders are demanding evil, sinful things over the people, and the result is that the people live in despicable circumstances. The prophet offers a list of the atrocities of such people: First, they "turn aside the needy from justice." That is, the leaders are not interested in justice as God determines it in his Word. They are perverting justice and using it for their gain. Second, "they rob the poor of my people of their right." That amplifies the first charge in that it plainly states that God's people are to be afforded due justice. This justice is to be afforded all of God's people, not merely the rich but the poor as well. Third, The "widows [are] their spoil." True religion consists of caring for the weak and helpless -- the widow (Cp. James 1:27). Fourth, they "make the fatherless their prey." They take advantage of a lack of leadership in the home and use it for their sinful gain. None of this passes the attention of Jehovah. He sees it and warns these evil leaders. He tells them that they will not escape their treachery. They will have no help on the day of judgment.
How do we apply this server passage to our world and church today? First, our leaders that God has exalted to their place of authority in this world must act as ministers of God (Rom. 13). They are to execute justice, protect the weak and innocent, and seek good in the land. In the United States, the people are subjected to unjust laws that burden the people and do not promote the common good. For example, the plague of abortion is a blight on the land in which her citizens -- all of them -- suffer. The godly suffer alongside the wicked because of these ungodly, evil laws that leaders have forced upon their citizens.
Another example is legalizing homosexual marriage. Again, the wicked cause the godly to suffer alongside the righteous. When these things are evident, it is not wrong for the people of God to pray for relief. Calvin states, "just as God causes his sun to shine alike upon the good and the evil [Matt. 5:45], so he does not despise the weeping of those whose cause is just and whose distresses deserve to be relieved." (55) We should pray and plead with our just God to relieve us of these wicked leaders and grant to us leaders who will walk in the fear of the Lord.
The concerns facing the church are as important and necessary to be considered. Elders are to act ministerially and declaratively towards the people the Lord has entrusted to their care. They are not to enact rules and mandates that the Lord has not stated in his Word. They are to rule carefully, as servants of the people. Thus, they are to exercise justice in cases of discipline, not being partial to any. They are to ensure that the widows, the weak, and the lowly are cared for and provided for as the need arises. These leaders are not to use their position for selfish gain but instead use it for the good and gain of those they serve. To use a position of authority in the church for selfish reasons is to bring the wrath of God down on their head. What should elders do as they seek to serve? McKim writes, "The needs of those who are in distress should always be on [their] hearts when [they] pray. God hears the cries of those whose cause is just." (55)