Unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it is written: The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. Luke 4:17–18 These are the words Jesus read in the synagogue in Nazareth when he announced the beginning of his ministry. He identified himself as the “Servant of the Lord,” prophesied by Isaiah, who would “bring justice” to the world (Isaiah 42:1–7). Most people know that Jesus came to bring forgiveness and grace. Less well known is the Biblical teaching that a true experience of the grace of Jesus Christ inevitably motivates a man or woman to seek justice in the world. While I was working on this volume, I heard two questions from friends: “Who are you writing this for?” and “How did you come to be interested in the subject of justice?” The answers to these questions are a good way to introduce the book’s themes. Timothy Keller, Generous Justice: How God’s Grace Makes Us Just, 1st ed. (New York: Dutton, 2010), ix–x. 21 Laws of Discipleship -- the book -- |