Verse of the Day - Matthew 6:33

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ~ Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

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It seems like Jesus was always talking over people's heads! Sometimes this was on purpose, because He said he sometimes taught in parables to the people and plainly to his disciples, as if some things were simply meant for future discovery. But He also was just on another plane, a different dimension -- and the disciples spent alot of time scratching their heads trying to make sense of His words.

They were confused about Jesus' kingdom, to be sure. They were thinking horizontally, an earthly kingdom. And it wouldn't surprise me if they didn't have a clear understanding of God's righteousness. Maybe we don't either.

Righteousness can mean right living; that is, doing what is "right". But righteousness is also right standing with God. Being okay in God's eyes, able to stand in His holy presence. And many people strive to please God by living right. By following the law. Isn't that what the Pharisees in the New Testament pounded into the people? They made laws on top of laws to make sure that people didn't break God's law. But with 613 (or so) laws they attempted to enforce, who, pray tell, could begin to keep them all, to be righteous?

People can strive to please God with their good deeds, with their honest living and hard work, but do our good works produce right standing with God? The Bible is clear that it is faith in God and His Son Jesus that provide our righteousness, not our good works!

For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." ~ Romans 1:17 (NIV)

However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. ~ Romans 4:5 (NIV)

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." ~ 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (NIV)

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

God's righteousness comes when we believe in the Righteous One He sent to pay for our unrighteousness. Jesus says Believe in Me, not your works, for right standing with the Father.

So, are you striving for a good works righteousness, or a faith-based righteousness? It's worth pondering, because only one is from God.

Love,
Joelene

P.S. I'll be on vacation this weekend, and will return to my blog on Monday, June 2nd.