Read or quote the memory verse.
When most people think of justice, they think of punishment for wrong behavior or actions. But there's another side to justice. Listen to this story and see if you can figure out what it is:
Jerome grew up in a poor part of town. Although there were hard-working, honest people in the "Drudge" (as people called it), Jerome didn't know any except his Mom. She worked two jobs and was a drill sergeant when it came to her boy's homework and chores. She taught them how to have a relationship with God and to obey His commandments. It was hard to fit in with the other kids AND obey his mom and God. Jerome did the best he could, but one day he was put to the test.
"Come on Jerome!" one of his buddies called. "It's time to teach that Jones kid a lesson!" His other friend grunted in agreement, but Jerome hesitated. Sure, the Jones kid had cheated them out of $50.00, but Jerome knew that his friends' way of "teaching a lesson" could be brutal. Warning bells went off in his head, but he didn't want his friends spreading the word that he was a chicken.
As if reading his mind, they both started squawking like a chicken.
"Okay, okay," Jerome agreed, "Let's go!"
They took off down "H" street laughing and plotting their revenge. Jerome felt sick to his stomach, and every step seemed harder than the last. Finally, he couldn't take it. "I can't do it, guys. Call me whatever you want, but what you want to do is wrong. I want no part of it."
He didn't wait to hear their response, though a few choice words did echo in his ears. He let the local police know he was worried for the Jones kid; then Jerome ran home. He went to his room, threw himself onto his bed, and opened his history book. "I'll never live this down," he moaned.
Jerome did live it down. Actually, he went on to graduate with honors, was accepted to a prestigious college, and became a very successful business man.
His friends, however, paid a huge price for their choice. They never went to school again. The police caught them taking revenge on the Jones boy, and they spent years in prison.
Jerome chose to do the right thing. Was he rewarded for his choice? (Yes! If he had been with the boys, he would have been arrested too. His hard work was rewarded with a college education and successful job.)
Listen to what Dr. Bill Bright had to say about the positive side of justice:
God doesn't just punish us. He rewards us too!!
Let's read Ephesians 6:8.
What are the types of things you think God will reward? (Just listen to what the kids say. You may be surprised!)
Let's see what the Bible has to say in Hebrews 11:6.
What does God reward above all else? (Faith in Him.)
What do you think the rewards are? (Heaven, a relationship with Him, and He helps us, gives us strength, takes care of us...)
Living with God in Heaven is one of the best rewards! The Holy City in Heaven will be more amazing than anyplace we can imagine! God gave the disciple, John, a glimpse of it. Let's read about what he saw! Revelation 21:18-27 says:
Doesn't the city sound amazing?
Do you know that some people are afraid that Heaven will be boring? Does the city sound boring to you? If you are afraid heaven will be boring, all you have to do is look around at what God has created here on earth.
Do you think such a creative God would create a boring Heaven?
We will spend forever exploring heaven and never be bored with what we find. We will spend forever getting to know God and never be bored with what we learn! Heaven is an incredible reward!
Why does it matter?Because God is Just, I know I will receive wonderful rewards in heaven when I accept Jesus' payment for my sin and obey His Word.
Talk with God and Stay ConnectedTalk with God about how you feel about Heaven. Thank Him that because of His payment of the cross for your sins, His justice rewards you with a place in Heaven forever.