Righteousness

Why did God put you on this earth? What’s your purpose? Some people live their entire lives trying to figure out what their entire life was supposed to be about. They come to the end wondering where they should have started. It’s not that they didn’t live well. Many have a stack of achievements. They can explain what they did and how they did it; they just can’t explain the “why.”

In Scripture, the heart refers to the control center of one’s life. It is the central point of our thoughts, desires, and actions. We must guard it with all diligence. Proverbs 4:23 says that the springs of life flow from our hearts. In the spiritual battle, our hearts must be protected with the breastplate of righteousness.

One of the amazing things about grace is that God chose us before “the foundation of the world.” He did not look down through the tunnel of time to see what kind of person we would be and then pick us for his team based on our future performance. God did not choose us because, in his omniscience, he knew that we would choose him. Fallen man does not seek God. This divine selection was based solely on God’s grace. And his choosing was for a purpose.

Have you ever heard a person say, “That terrible thing should have never happened to her. She is such a godly person.” Or have you heard a person say, “He got what he deserved. He was a wicked man.” I’ll admit to thinking and saying both. Today’s passage deals with those thoughts. Let’s read it and then unpack it. 

So, here’s the question—are you chasing after the right things? Things that will last for eternity. Things that will honor God. Things that will point people to him. If you are not running in the right direction, chances are you’ll end up at the wrong destination. 

But Madoff lost much more than his freedom; he lost his integrity. A man can live without a lot of things...but not that.

Because of our trust in Jesus, God declares us, “Not guilty!” and gives us the right standing that Jesus has before the Father. Indeed, the Lord is our righteousness.

This song celebrates the coming of Jesus, the promised Messiah.

Jesus brings complete satisfaction.