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February 23, 1999, Tuesday
Is God's purpose to quickly judge individuals that have
transgressed His edicts and commands, or is His purpose
to help those who have fallen and are in need? Is that a
choice that God makes with every individual? What happens
to the person that God helps?
The Scripture tells us that God clothed Adam and Eve
because they found themselves naked and without valor.
They were hiding from God Who would certainly notice
the fact that their glory was gone; But He helped them-
"And the Lord God made clothes out of animal skins for
Adam and his wife, and He clothed them" (Gen 3:21). It
is our first picture in the Scripture that portrays the
consequences of sin. The animal skin was an instant
reminder to them that death was a result of that sin.
Death came immediately to provide a sacrifice for the
sin. Today the Lord still searches for those that are
hiding from the shame and ravages of sin. His purpose
continues to be-to clothe and cover the fallen person.
Paul wrote to the Colossians to exhort them to make a
daily consideration. To remember that we are children
of God and objects of His choice for affection, is a
motivation to live by the actions He expresses to us--
"You are the people of God; He loved you and chose you
for His own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience
(Col 3:12). His righteousness clothes us like a garment
for royal attire.
The Psalmist remembered the joy that was experienced by
having a right relationship with the Lord. The burden of
guilt and sin was removed. He prayed for continuing mercy-
"The wrongdoing of Your people had forgiveness; all their
sin had been covered (Selah)" (Psa 85:2). The favour of God
is a fountain of happiness. When God forgives sin, He does
cover it; and when He covers the sin of His people, He does
cover it all. See what the pardon of sin is. In compassion
to us, when Christ our Intercessor stands before God for us,
He always turns away God's anger. When we are reconciled to
God, then, and not till then, may we expect the comfort of
His being reconciled to us.
Let us remember who is the Lord that is Our Righteousness.
God's Name is Jehová Tsidkenu. He is the God that clothes
us with His Righteousness. He is the God that puts His truth,
humility, and kindness in our spirit. The Psalmist expressed
his joy and gratitude for a clear conscience: "I will praise
You as long as I live, and in Your Name I will lift up my
hands" (Psa 63:4). Lift your hands to Him and Praise Him
for the fact that He is the God that is Our Righteousness!
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