Referencing The Original Text and Its Perspective
Vindicate, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, means to “clear of accusation or blame, to refuse to allow someone or something to become dishonored, to show or prove to be just or right”. The Bible, however, takes on a different perspective of the word “vindicate”, one that is also rooted in the idea of justification.
As we scan through multiple text-types within the Bible, we find the concept of vindication showing up in many ways. In the books of Psalms and other commemorative studies, we are often presented with the thoughts, ideas and motions of vindication. In the prophetic books, we find an attention to the consequences of oracles, and the vindication of righteous standards. However, all of these are rooted in the idea that divine justice will be served.
Sustaining Justice and Vindication
The gospel of Matthew gives us a lens for understanding why and how justice was sustained throughout Biblical history. In this book, we get a sense of how God acted through the hands of old testament elders and prophets, utilizing the law and enacting Yahweh-favorable justice. We also see how, through Jesus and his life, justice and mercy were also upheld.
For example, in the episode of Pontius Pilate administering justice in the trial of Jesus, we notice an interesting twist. In verse 18:19 of Matthew chapter 27, Pilate says “I am innocent of this man’s blood. It is your responsibility!” As we read, we begin to realize that Pilate is speaking on behalf of himself and Jesus, which is a direct position of God. This particular verse is one of the greatest acknowledgement and displaying of Divine Justice in the Bible.
Vindication as a Response to wickedness
Elsewhere in the Bible, we also catch a glimpse of vindication as a response to wickedness and injustice. Ezekiel 35, for instance, portrays vindication as the response of the Lord in restoring a shattered hill country and an abandoned city. When Edom is mentioned in verse 10, we understand that the Lord will release his judgment upon them because of the great wickedness they have caused in the land of Israel.
In passages such as Isiah 27:2, 3:12 – 15, and 5:16, we observe a similar theme of justice being allocated because of human wickedness. Later in the Bible, in Matthew 11:20–24, Jesus further reveals the Lord’s vindication over those who have done wrong. In this case, we find two cities who are being held accountable for the lives they have led, with special interest taken towards those who live in Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum.
Conclusion in Judgement Day
Ultimately, we might say that vindication from the Bible is best understood through the lens of justice. All throughout God’s Word, human wickedness and sin are addressed yet a final day of judgement awaits where overall justice will be settled by the Al-Mighty. The vindication of the Lord’s people and nations will be everlasting and will ultimately triumph through the ongoing display of God’s mercy and truth.
Recognizing Our Imperfections
In light of our imperfections, understanding what it means to be vindicated should challenge us to seek after righteousness and recognize that God may one day ask us to stand as witnesses in His justice. How will we be responding then? How will our little acts of kindness contribute to His overall plan?
We should engage more thoughtfully in our communities, with more intentionality, more love, more humility, and more sincerity. Knowing that, when the final day of judgement comes, we are called to account for how we have lived, should move us to live a lifestyle that is strongly aligned with God’s character.
Acting in Love
In James chapter 2, we learn that living in a righteous and loving way should be deeply treasured, for our faith in God is what pleases him and allows us to live in peace. In this passage specifically, we find a very clear display of the importance of our actions carrying love, for actions that are only in “word” or “talk”, carry very little weight when judged in the court of divine justice. We are called to be active in our love, intentional in our efforts and believe in the continual renewing of the mind.
An Investment in Yourself
As we endeavor to live more justly in our lives, it is important that we are reflective with our words and actions. We, too, can live fully as heirs of righteousness, having power over life and against injustice. To do this, investing in our faith and in living a more spiritually rich life should become top priorities.
We must strengthen our relationship with God by greater adherence to His word, and in doing so, notice how His spirit of righteousness will always keep our feet grounded. We should likewise read books and listen to sermons that promote the message of divine justice and begin to engage more actively in our communities, churches, family and work circles.
Living A Life of Righteousness
The truth is that living a life of righteousness has transformative power. It encourages us to embrace and accept our mistakes and past sins, yet still have the courage and strength to reach after justice and righteousness.
Further, seeking after righteousness requires us to take responsibility and ownership of our lives, understanding that no one will answer for us and our shortcomings on judgement day; instead, we must own up to how we have lived and work towards more honorable ways.
Learning from Scripture
The Bible provides us with multiple opportunities to grow in our faith and to learn about the concept of justice, what it means, and how it applies to our lives. By studying and meditating on scripture passages, we acquire knowledge of how vindication is portrayed in the bible and what our divine responsibility is in working towards righteousness.
As David said in Psalm 51:16, “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise”. Through this, we learn that the Lord looks with favor upon those who humble themselves before Him.
Showing Courage to Voice Change
In the end, seeking divine justice through our lives requires mustering up courage and confidence to actually speak up when injustice is present. We cannot only cling to the hope of God making all things right, without actively pursuing a life of justice ourselves.
That means engaging with conversations and taking a stance against wrongdoing. It requires us to make a commitment to do the right thing and to seek the face of God in it all. We must take control of our lives, centered around a sense of the divine will and use our voices to foster the growth of justice and the end of injustice.
Living a Life That is Vindicated
Ultimately, by recognizing that God is the ultimate source of authority, justice, and security, we can live in a way that brings honor and homage to His majesty. In a time of great turmoil, we must never doubt that the Lord is working good and can see to it that justice is carried out.
Yet, in all of this, it is important to remember that we still live in the grey area of life. This means that while justice is the ultimate goal and desired outcome, mercy should not be neglected nor forgotten when seeking after righteousness. In this, we must recognize that God’s gracious hand is extended to us all, and that if we commit ourselves to Him, we can live a life that is vindicated and set free from the bonds of injustice.
