Communities of Justice, Mercy, and Truth

Left to ourselves, our communities fracture into injustice, vengeance, and idolatry. That does not make us unique; in fact, it is the common point of unity we share with people across the world and across the ages. We are not capable of creating communities of justice and mercy apart from God’s truth.

Sermon Outline:

I. Communities of Justice and Mercy

II. Communities of Truth

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. The cities of refuge were meant to ensure both justice and mercy. How does this balance challenge our own tendency either to minimize sin or to pursue vengeance? Where do you see these temptations in your own life or in our culture?

2. The manslayer had to run to the city of refuge to be safe. How does this imagery point us to Christ as our ultimate refuge? What does it mean practically for us to “run to Jesus” when we feel the weight of guilt and sin?

3. God scattered the Levites throughout the land so that his truth would be widely known and taught. In what ways can we be effective in spreading truth through our communities?

4. How should Christians faithfully engage the public square without arrogance or despair?

5. How does remembering God’s faithfulness in the past give us strength and hope to live as communities of justice, mercy, and truth today?