But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. "Therefore," he said, "let those who have authority among you go down with me and accuse this man, to see if there is any fault in him." Acts 25:4-5

Though the Jewish religious leaders made their request to move Paul to Jerusalem, Festus denied the request. Caesarea was the seat of the Roman government in Palestine and Paul was to be questioned there. Festus was planning to be there shortly and he planned to preside over the proceedings.

It is of interest that Festus said his intentions were “to see if there is any fault in [Paul]." Think if it. Paul had been imprisoned for over two years and the courts were still unsure if there was enough evidence to determine his guilt or innocence. And that after Paul had already presented testimony demonstrating that the charges were bogus! Human government. At best it is inefficient. At worst it doesn’t care about justice and is corrupt.

My wife once wrote a song stating “there will be no lasting peace until Shiloh comes,” referring to the time when Christ shall return and justice will reign. Until then, part of living in a fallen world means enduring injustice because of sin. Who besides me is glad that Christ’s kingdom, though we do not see it fully realized yet, is a kingdom of perfect justice?

And who besides me is grateful that the justice we deserve for our sins was poured out on Jesus while He was on the cross? While perfect justice will be suffered by the unrepentant who do not trust in Christ, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

We recently experienced a disappointing setback because of governmental imperfection. My solace is that this speedbump is nothing compared to the just wrath of God that I deserve because of my sins—but that Jesus graciously took for me.

Heavenly perspective makes life in this fallen world easier to bear and makes me thankful for God’s grace!