Obstruction

“Obstruction” is a legal term thrown about quite a bit as of late. People of varying political pedigrees point fingers and shout, “Obstruction. ObStrUTcIOn! OBSTRUCTION!!!”

“Obstruction of justice” is the complete phrase most often heard. But what does it mean? Thankfully, Miriam Webster has provided a subjective definition for this now wildly objective accusation:

Obstruction of Justice:
The crime or act of willfully interfering with the process of justice and law especially by influencing, threatening, harming, or impeding a witness, potential witness, juror, or judicial or legal officer or by furnishing false information in or otherwise impeding an investigation or legal process.

Putting politics aside (please), obstruction of justice is something everyone is guilty of committing. When I say everyone, I am talking about every single person who has ever lived, all who are alive today, and all those who will inhabit the future. It is part of our collective human nature. Not one person is innocent of the crime known as obstruction of justice.

To understand what I am saying another word must also be defined. Once again, thanks go to Miriam.

just – adjective
Definition:
1a: having a basis in or conforming to fact or reason:
REASONABLE, had just reason to believe he was in danger
b: conforming to a standard of correctness:
PROPER, just proportions
c: archaic: faithful to an original

2a: acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good: RIGHTEOUS, a just war, is what is merited
DESERVED, a just punishment
b: legally correct:
LAWFUL, just title to an estate

Cover Up

There is a “just” legal charge against all humanity. Let’s face facts; we all have attempted to hide our unlawful acts.

• “No, Mama, I didn’t eat that cookie. Charlie did it!”
• “Dad, the dog ate my homework.”
• “Officer, the stop sign is hidden by that homeowner’s landscaping.”
• “My husband is addicted to pornography. I had to find love somewhere.”
• “I am not guilty, your honor. I’m insane.”

We could go on and on with this forever. But it’s clear that obstruction of justice is part of our DNA. We can deny it all we want. However, denial puts us at odds with the only One with a just claim against us all.

“All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way… .” – Isaiah 53:6a

Jew or Gentile (pretty much everybody), we have all turned to our own way and done everything we can to cover up lawless behavior, i.e., obstruction of justice. It began in the Garden of Eden. Death is the legal punishment due to all of us. According to God, by our lawlessness, we have all earned death.

But God…

We all deserve the legally “just” sentence of death and destruction. But to those who believe in the redemptive work of Yeshua (not Yeshu) on the cross, in the grave, and now in the skies, unlimited abounding grace is freely given. Through no action of my own, no inherent human quality, God did for me what I could never do for myself. He did it for you.

“Therefore, we who are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us (me), we (I) beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. – 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

So, here is my point. Stop stoning one another. Put down the rocks and look in the mirror. We are all guilty of obstruction of justice. That includes me, you, Donald, Barak, Hillary, George, Chuck, Rush, Nancy, Joy, Joe, Noemi, Noe, Susie, Roger, Julie, and on and on and on.

There is only One who is just. Thankfully, He is also merciful to all those that belong to Him.

Peace Out!