Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 37:27-33
Ps 37:27-33
27 Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. 28 For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off; 29 the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. 30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip. 32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives; 33 but the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial.
Matt 5:7-10
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The word righteous (or righteousness) is used in this Psalm several times and it describes a person who is devoted to God and puts their trust in him. We are told to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all the material things of life will be given to us. Being righteous is being right with God and showing it in our behavior and every part of our lifestyle. A righteous person will do what is right in every relationship and be a good spouse, good parents, a good worker, student and neighbor. A righteous person is controlled by God and his word.
But this is a relative righteousness that is our goal in life but not fully attained by our own works. Absolute righteousness is when our sins are forgiven. This is what is said to be counted to Abraham (and to us) because of our faith. When he was told to offer his son Isaac, as a sacrifice, he trusted and obeyed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. This same kind of faith saves us today.
The power of God to make one righteous is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus died for our sins, was buried and was raised from the dead. This allows God to be just and also to be the justifier. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and gave his Son to be the substitute sacrifice for our sins.
Heavenly Father it is such a blessing to be counted as righteous and to know that you have forgiven me of all my sin. Your love is indescribable, your mercy beyond comprehension and your grace is matchless but free. As I devote my heart and my life to you, I am set free from sin and death but also, at the same time, made a slave to righteousness. How unsearchable are your ways! Open my eyes to every opportunity to do good and to share your gospel. Fill my heart with the peace and joy that only comes from devotion to you. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
