It’s a feeling as old as time, and it's something the ancient sages grappled with too. Midrash Tehillim, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Psalms, dives headfirst into this very question.

The central idea? Ultimately, the King Messiah will rule over everything. This is beautifully captured in Isaiah 11:1: "And there shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit." A promise of renewal, of ultimate fairness. But what about right now?

Rabbi Eliezer offers a fascinating perspective. He says, "Wherever there is no justice, there will eventually be justice, and wherever there is justice, there may not necessarily be justice." Seems a bit paradoxical, doesn’t it?

But The Midrash explains that when earthly courts fail – when human beings mess up the administration of justice – the Heavenly court steps in. God, in essence, becomes the ultimate judge, ensuring that things are set right. He will repay accordingly. It's a powerful thought, a comforting thought, especially when we see injustice around us.

However – and this is crucial – when there is a functioning, fair earthly court, God might not intervene. Why? Because we, as humans, are responsible for administering justice ourselves! We have a job to do.

It reminds me of the verse in Jeremiah 50:7: "For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him." Waiting isn't passive. It’s about striving for justice in the here and now, knowing that God is the ultimate source of that justice.

And then there's Leviticus 26:3: "If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them…" This verse is often interpreted as meaning that God expects us to uphold justice, to follow His laws. If we fail, there will be consequences. But if we act justly, we’ll be blessed with abundance and prosperity. It’s a clear call to action.

So, what's the takeaway? It's not just about waiting for some future Messianic age. It's about actively participating in creating a just world, right here, right now. It's about striving to be fair in our dealings with others, knowing that our actions matter. Because according to the Midrash, the pursuit of justice isn't just a nice thing to do; it’s a fundamental part of our relationship with God and with each other. And maybe, just maybe, by striving for justice ourselves, we bring that Messianic age a little bit closer.