“And the just shall live by . . .”
Learn to do good, seek justice. Make the oppressed happy, defend the orphan, argue the widow’s case. Isaiah 1:17 Robert Alter
Justice – andralamousia. Do you remember that Greek word? It is a summary description of the Flood. And a terrifying prediction of situation. God doesn’t ask for individual purity alone. He is a communal God. His desire is cosmic. And when that desire has been frustrated long enough—andralamousia. “Justice” isn’t just personal righteousness. It’s mišpāṭ–governance with a divine orientation.
Marc Gary has written an excellent piece about the Flood and human extinction. It’s worth reading. Here’s the link: https://www.jtsa.edu/torah/before-the-deluge/
I couldn’t have said it better.
Topical Index: Marc Gary, andralamousia, the Flood, Isaiah 1:17
Topical Index: andralamousia, judgment, Noah, Flood, justice, Isaiah 1:17
Human being [of itself] has throughout history never shown that capacity “to surpass the self”. That is why there appear prevenient intimations of mankind’s destruction throughout history. Even what appears to be righteousness comes not from human nature in itself; rather it is given (only in form and by way of reciprocity) by the grace of God alone to those “who diligently seek good,” (nevertheless are motivated to be found “pleasing”). Surpassing the self is only possible by way of dying to self… to the flesh… and living according to the Spirit. As Jesus said, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born of water and spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
What then is the way in Whom the transcendent God makes possible both dying to the self and surpassing the self possible for humanity? It is only by God’s own wayof mediation through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
As Jesus said to his disciple, Thomas, (whose dubious inclinations were indeed justified by virtue of Thomas’ own human nature), “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you know him and have seen him.” And when his disciple, Philip, said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Am I with you so long a time and you have not known me, Philip? The one who has seen me has seen the Father! How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’
The man, Christ Jesus, also the Son of God, is the only way… and only he is able to serve God’s own mediation.
“Therefore, I [Paul] urge first of all that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgiving be made on behalf of all people, on behalf of kings and all those who are in authority, in order that we may live a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable before God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and human beings, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time…”