Deuteronomy 16:18-20 - You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous. Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

The Bible reading from Deuteronomy 16:18-20 emphasizes the importance of appointing judges and officers to administer justice fairly and impartially. God commands the Israelites to appoint judges and officers in the towns He is giving them, who are to judge righteously without showing partiality or accepting bribes. Justice and righteousness are to be the guiding principles. Anyone who perverts justice or shows favoritism is acting wickedly. The additional Bible passages and documents provide more context about the biblical view of justice. Judges are to hear cases fairly, defending the rights of the poor and needy. Showing partiality either to the poor or the mighty is injustice. Bribery blinds even the wise and twists justice. Righteous judgment requires following what is altogether just, without swerving to the left or right. Judges are to condemn the guilty and justify the righteous. Acting presumptuously against their judgments merits severe punishment.

The need for justice is universal, as injustice and oppression still abound today. As Christians, we must align ourselves with the cause of justice, just as God commands Israel to appoint judges who will act justly. This goes beyond simply being lawful to displaying God's righteousness, defending the vulnerable and powerless against the selfish interests of the strong. Like Israel, we are called to uphold justice courageously without compromise, not showing favoritism to the poor or the powerful. Our judgment is not to be clouded by the influence of money or the fear of men. Instead, we look to God who alone is perfectly just and the source of justice. As His ambassadors, we are to reflect His heart for justice and righteousness in how we live. This applies not only to those in positions of judicial authority but to anyone in a place of influence. Seeking justice begins with examining our own hearts. Do we show partiality towards people based on appearance, status or wealth? Are we easily swayed by financial incentive and threats? Pray for moral courage and integrity that comes from the fear of the Lord. Ask God to give us a love for justice that compels us to defend the oppressed. As we grow in living justly, may we be agents of justice wherever God has placed us.

Heavenly Father, we praise You as the righteous judge over all. Forgive us when we have perverted justice or acted partially out of selfish motives. Help us love what You love and hate what You hate. Empower us through Your Spirit to stand for justice courageously like You did when You walked this earth. Give us wisdom in defending the oppressed and correcting injustice within our spheres of influence. Shape our hearts to champion the cause of righteousness for Your glory. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.