JUSTICE

Note: it is obvious that this article was written sometime in the middle of the OJ trial. However, we find little in the verdict which contradicts the principles presented, so we present it in its original form.

"If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they" (Ecc. 5:8).

While we are reluctant to comment for fear of being accused of further promoting the hype, the fact that the O.J. Simpson situation has become the most publicized and discussed trial of the century says something about our society. This is a validation of Ecc. 5:8 quoted above. There is nothing new about this, especially in the "province" of Los Angeles County.

The reason for the hype is simply that people are interested and willing to listen and watch -- so it makes money. The media can hardly be faulted for giving people what they want.

Why they want it is probably due to the following (in roughly the order given): (1) the high celebrity status and wealth of the defendant, (2) the sordid details of someone who had previously been seen largely as a wholesome role model, (3) the interracial marriage aspect, and (4) the desire to witness a contest of the best legal minds in the country.

Curiosity with regard to this situation is not wrong. Indeed, we can all learn much with regard to the way that our legal system works, and there might be some benefits that will come from that.

The problem is the legal system may not be allowed to work. Few people say "I just don't know" and trust the system to work. Instead there are very strong opinions on both sides, usually based upon some predisposition.

If OJ gets off it will be seen by many as the rich being able to manipulate the system; if he is convicted it will be viewed by many others as another case of L.A. racial bias.

As Christians, our faith cannot be in the systems of men. This and many other such incidents serve to confirm the truth of God's word. We are "strangers and sojourners" (1 Pet. 2:11) here, and we do not expect justice any more than Jesus did. However, we preach the truth that a greater degree of it might prevail, as did Jesus (Mt. 23:23) so that God may be glorified in justice and truth.

Let us pray that justice may prevail despite the odds against it, and take consolation in Ecc. 5:8 as well as our sure and certain knowledge that the day is coming very soon in which ultimate and perfect justice will prevail (1 Pet. 3:8-13, Rev. 20:11-15).