A CRY FOR JUSTICE

MARCH 21

Psalm 58

Psalm 58:11, “Mankind will say, ‘Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.”

Psalm 58 is one of several imprecatory psalms, a category of psalms that invoke divine judgment or punishment upon the psalmist’s enemies. In this psalm, David expresses deep distress over the wickedness he witnesses around him. He observes rulers who, instead of dispensing justice, are evil to their core. These wicked individuals, described as being “wicked from birth,” devise evil with malicious intent. David likens them to venomous snakes, resistant to the efforts of the charmer, refusing to heed correction.

David’s lament is one of yearning for justice—a justice that would see the wicked swept away. Above all, David is troubled by the oppression of the righteous and longs for a day when God’s vengeance will be enacted against evil.

This longing for justice resonates deeply with those who have understanding. We yearn for a world where justice prevails. Yet, there is reason for hope. Justice has already been served through the cross of Jesus Christ. As 1 Peter 3:18 reminds us, “Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God.” Despite the fact that we are all born sinners (Romans 3:23), deserving of judgment (Romans 6:23), Jesus provided a way for forgiveness to all who believe in Him.

Moreover, when the Lord Jesus returns, He will fully and finally enact justice. As stated in 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10, Jesus will come “inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” Those who have rejected God’s offer of salvation will face judgment, while those who have believed will receive their reward, marveling at the glory of His presence.

David’s cry for justice, though rooted in the pain of injustice, is ultimately a reminder that God will set all things right in His perfect timing. While the world may seem filled with wickedness now, there is hope in the promise of Christ’s return, where justice will be fully realized and evil finally vanquished.

“Two things will come out clearly after all—there is a God and a reward for the righteous.” – Charles Spurgeon

Application questions: How much does sin trouble you—whether it be your own or that which you see in the world?  How thankful are you, that though you were unjust, Jesus suffered that you might be declared just and be reconciled to God?  When will justice on earth be fully realized?

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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