And do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit. – Exodus 23:3

Today's Scripture Reading (November 23, 2024): Exodus 23

In Greek mythology, her name was Themis. Like her mother, Gaia, Themis is an earth goddess. She is often pictured as a sober-looking woman with scales in her hands. Themis presides over the proper relationship between a man and a woman. She is the goddess responsible for the correct ordering of a family. But she is also the goddess of justice. As a result, judges were called "themistopoloi," which means "the servants of Themis."

Interestingly, Themis is not wrathful. She has no anger within her to deal with people who ignore her wishes, but that does not mean that those who defy her instructions have nothing about which to worry. Wrath will come, but it will be at the hands of another goddess, Nemesis. Nemesis will deal with all who ignore the dictates of Themis. 

Themis is the model on which our Lady Justice is based. Lady Justice is often seen carrying a scale in one hand and a sword in the other, possibly a nod to Nemesis's role in dealing with those who ignored Themis. However, there is one other feature of Lady Justice that differs from Themis; Lady Justice is often pictured wearing a blindfold. 

The Bible has a lot to say about the care of the poor. During election season, a meme caught my attention on Social Media. 

Notice how it's always 'vote according to Biblical values!' until it comes to welcoming the immigrant, helping the poor, feeding the hungry, bringing healthcare to the sick, forgiving debts, caring for our planet, laying down our swords, or loving our neighbors.

It is a message we need to hear, and it should make us uncomfortable.

Lady Justice is blind. She doesn't know if we are rich or poor, strong or weak, or even male or female. All Lady Justice cares about is what is right and just. Yes, we should care for people experiencing poverty and protect the disenfranchised. We should welcome immigrants. Once again, as I write these words, I hear singing outside my office door in a language I don't understand. And I believe that this is the way it should be. But immigrants, people experiencing poverty, or the disenfranchised do not get a free pass to do wrong. God is clear on this. Justice is blind; the only thing that matters in her dealing with us is if we are being dealt with fairly. True justice does not favor either the rich or the poor. She only knows right and wrong.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Exodus 24