The recent political developments in South Korea have been deeply troubling for many Christians. As impeachment talks against President Yoon Seok-yul escalate, we need to be reminded of what justice and righteousness are from a biblical perspective. God’s justice transcends mere human laws and institutions and is the source of all power and authority. So what attitude should we take toward establishing God’s justice in South Korea?
The Bible commands us to obey the authorities God has established (Romans 13:1), but it also makes it clear that God will judge when those authorities are unjust and do evil. Jeremiah 22:3 warns, “You shall do justice and righteousness; you shall deliver the oppressed from the hand of the abuser; you shall not oppress or abuse the stranger, the orphan, or the widow; you shall not shed innocent blood in this place.” If a leader subverts justice, abuses the weak, and practices falsehood and injustice, he will not escape judgment before God.
The rule of law and justice in South Korea have been severely shaken under President Yun Seok-yul’s tenure. He has used the judiciary and prosecutors to engage in political repression, widened economic inequality, fomented social conflict, and made diplomatic blunders. He staged an illegal pro-junta coup that failed in the face of resistance from the National Assembly and the people. The president who was supposed to stabilize the country committed the crime of civil war.
A leader who loses sight of justice becomes concerned with protecting himself rather than caring for his people. God does not condone this kind of injustice. Christians should view the question of whether or not to impeach a president as not just a political issue, but as a process by which God’s justice is realized on earth.
God’s justice doesn’t end with the judgment of our leaders. For our country to be transformed into a nation pleasing to God, biblical values must be ingrained throughout society, and that starts with impartial law enforcement. Micah 6:8 says, “The Lord has shown you what is good, O man; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love your neighbor, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Many Christians are feeling conflicted in the midst of political turmoil, but we must not be swept up in the logic of partisanship, but instead use God’s justice as our guide.
First, we need to pray for justice before God. Psalm 89:14 declares, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.” We need to pray for justice to be restored in our country.
Second, we need to act. James 2:17 says, “Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” To stand for justice, we must speak up and not turn a blind eye to injustice and injustice.
Third, we must practice forgiveness, but not compromise with injustice. Love rejoices with the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). It is important to establish justice, but do it with God’s love, not hate.
If the impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok-yul proceeds, the decision of the Constitutional Court will ultimately determine the fate of South Korea. We should pray that the judges of the country’s Constitutional Court will not fear man, but will rule according to God’s justice.
In 2 Chronicles 19:6-7, King Jehoshaphat exhorts his judges, “When you judge, do not judge for man, but for the LORD; for God is with you when you judge; therefore walk in the fear of the LORD.”
As Christians, we should pray fervently for the justices of the Supreme Court, that they will fear only God’s justice and render just decisions.
Amos 5:24 says, “Only let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing river.” If we are to be a nation that God is pleased with, we must make justice and righteousness flow like a river. We must do our best to fulfill God’s will on earth based on biblical values. May our prayers and actions be instruments of God’s justice.
“Lord, have compassion on our nation and establish it as a nation of justice and righteousness. Give courage to the justices of the Supreme Court, and make the leaders of this land fear Your will. Amen.”
by Rev. Dongjin Park (Soto Church)