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December 7, 1998, Monday
Should one tell about the righteousness of God and
what He can accomplish? Should one tell people to
trust Him in the schoolhouse, the courthouse, and
the churchhouse? Should one tell others that God is
first a God of mercy and compassion and that what
He requires is not burdensome?
The Psalmist found great joy in telling others about
the righteousness of God and what He did for him---
"I will shout for joy as I play for You; with my whole
being I will sing because You have saved me. I will
speak of Your righteousness all day long, because
those who tried to harm me have been defeated and
disgraced" (Psa 71:23). The righteousness of God
became His strength and shield.
The Psalmist was able to make a testimony of truth
about God and His righteousness. For just as the
countenance of Moses was changed from being with
God, so will God shine on the man that trusts Him.
"Give yourself to the Lord; trust in Him, and He
will help you; He will make your righteousness to
shine like the noonday sun" (Psa 37:6).
"I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will
make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.
(Psa 71:16). He overcame by the strength of God.
The Writer of the Proverbs learned that the most
acceptable sacrifice was to be merciful as mercy
had been shown to him. The sacrifice of righteousness--
"To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to
the Lord than sacrifice" (Pro 21:3). Jesus further taught
the delight of God preached by Micah--"the Lord
expects justice, mercy, and humility from us before Him--
"But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and
not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous,
but sinners, to repentance" (Mat 9:13). The call of Jesus
to repentance was for a "change of action" by the sinner.
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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