Judging plus mercy yields justice

Posted by Rolvin Lentsch on Sep 5, 2011 in Daily Bread | 3 comments

We don’t want judgment, I submit that what we want is justice. Judging plus mercy yields justice.

Last night my children and I were watching a movie called “Serenity”. It is an outer-space shoot-em-up, but with some interesting questions interspersed. The plot revolves around a young girl who is considered insane, but is so loved by her brother that he will do anything to save her; remind you of someone we know?

The crew of the space ship is not so enamored. They believe she is a nut to be disposed of as soon as possible, because there is an assassin after her – sanctioned by the galactic government. But the crew’s attitude is transformed as she first displays her talent as a psychic, which is of great use. Then as a lethal weapon that saves the crew.

This movie is different because of its discussion of God, judgment and mercy. The captain of the ship starts as a practical cynic, then as the crew does he sees the value of the girl, but for him this is just the beginning. He passes judgment on all he comes in contact with – a nut, an assassin, and the unscrupulous of the universe. A man he has known and who has ministered to him called the “shepherd” in his death throws facilitates changes to the captain’s heart.

He see himself as a vehicle of justice, his purpose culminates in the final sequence of scenes. In his battle with the assassin we assume he has not been changed – he will exact his judgment. But he surprises us. His triumph comes when he adds mercy to his judgment and allows the assassin to live.

The assassin then receives the truth, he is transformed/saved and gives the justice he has received back to the crew of the “Serenity”.

When justice is given, justice will be received. Praise God for justice and the mercy that it includes.