The recent trial of Ghislaine Maxwell has come to a conclusion as the right-hand of the late Jeffrey Epstein was found guilty for charges of sex trafficking.

We won’t recount the full story here. You can do your own research on that (although you may want to consider what the benefits would be of putting the details into your mind). The fact of the matter is that this was a high-profile trial involving a major case of trafficking young girls for the pleasure of the rich and influential. Maxwell was at the center of these activities. We write this article with a sincere prayer for this woman’s heart to be convicted by the light and mercy of Jesus, even as we rejoice in the justice that has come. (More on the true meaning of that word in a moment.)

The bigger reason we post about this though is to look beyond this situation at something glorious God is unleashing throughout the planet. Over the past two decades, there has been an increased focus on the reality of human trafficking. This is not unlike the burgeoning movements of abolitionists in 1700s and 1800s that gave way to lasting freedom for those in the bondage of slavery. These were movements that started in the place of prayer and grew out into the courtrooms and congressional halls. Today, God is doing the same thing, and while it may take some time to see it fully manifest, God is calling for His people to once again play a key role in this new exodus.

You have to understand that for many centuries, people balked and laughed at the idea of African slavery coming to an end. Even for those who were against it, the injustice seemed way too big, especially in the way it was entangled with the economy and the highest echelons of power. Nonetheless, the particular evil of the East African slave trade eventually came to a halt, and it was primary due to disciples of Jesus who both prayed and fought for freedom. God is still moving the planet into the direction of this freedom (see our recent article A New World: The Dreamers).

Now, in regard to the definition of “justice,” it is important to note that this involves restoration for both the victim and the victimizer. True healing will never come to the world if justice remains all about punishment. Of course, in this current age where many remain unrepentant, consequences and boundaries (sometimes, thick penitentiary boundaries) are necessary for the protection of the innocent. Both realities need to work in tandem. The key perpetrators need to be locked up and they need to experience the truth of Jesus’s mercy. Of course, healing and ongoing support needs to come victims. And all along the way, reform has to be enacted in states and nations that have allowed for too much of this evil to continue.

Thank God, this is where we are headed. Truly. This trial is just one more bread crumb on the path toward universal justice and redemption. For those with eyes to see, there is a new world free from any form of slavery just beyond the horizon.

The Lord has called us to play a part in this. At the very least, we are to be part of praying for justice, strategy, and wisdom for those who are on the ground fighting against this issue. For others, this will involve directly supporting ministries and organizations at work in this horrendous area of injustice. For others still, this will involve much more, which the Lord will unfold in your heart as you seek Him and let His mercy wash over you. Be listening and ready for such a call.

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

(Amos 5:24)