TRUE JUSTICE

APRIL 24

Psalm 82

Psalm 82:2, “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?”

Like countless others throughout history, the psalmist longed for true justice—justice that would rightly discern good from evil, uphold truth, defend the vulnerable, and hold the guilty accountable. In that same longing, humanity has created symbols to reflect its highest ideals. Among them stands Lady Justice, tall and resolute, with scales to weigh each case, a sword to execute judgment, and a blindfold to ensure impartiality. She embodies the hope that justice can be fair, swift, and free from corruption or bias.

Yet as noble as her image is, Lady Justice remains only a symbol—crafted by flawed hands in a fallen world. Human justice, no matter how well-intentioned, is often shaped by emotion, prejudice, ignorance, or self-interest. Even the most advanced legal systems can fail. The scales tip unfairly, the sword is misused, and the blindfold sometimes slips. She may represent what we strive for, but only God can perfectly fulfill justice.

In Psalm 82, the psalmist expresses his frustration at the failure of earthly judges to protect those most at risk—the weak, the fatherless, the afflicted, and the needy. He calls out for justice that is not partial or corrupt. Unlike human judgment, God’s justice is perfect, because He sees every motive and every hidden injustice. In His holiness, He cannot overlook sin, but in His mercy, He made a way: at the cross, justice and mercy met. Jesus bore the penalty of sin, offering forgiveness and restoration to all who trust in Him.

While we may often share the psalmist’s disappointment in human systems, we can rest assured that God’s judgment is always right. Ultimately, our greatest need is not for flawless earthly justice, but to be spared divine judgment—something possible only through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross.

“It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”—Romans 3:26

Application Questions: In what ways have you personally experienced or witnessed the failure of human justice? How does trusting in God’s perfect justice help you respond to those moments with hope instead of bitterness?

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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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