As believers, we are called oaks of righteousness; a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. Like the glorious live oaks of the coastal region, we are created to stand firm and provide a place of respite amidst our branches. Hurting people find hope, rest and manna within the well-watered limbs of a thriving, growing church.
Tag: righteousness
“The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high, He will fill Zion with His justice and righteousness; He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich storehouse of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to…
Consider for a moment, how vastly different the God of Israel was from the false gods of the ancient world.
We tend to look outward instead of inward, don’t we? We tend to focus on the faults of others – which we have no control over – even though we still have a long ways to grow ourselves. There’s enough going wrong within our own frames to keep us busy until Jesus comes back.
Repentant people recognize and confess their affliction frequently, they allow the Gardener to come close and lop off the offending limb for the sake of the tree’s overall health.
Jesus sets us free from the heavy burden of our own righteousness. His love and goodness allows us to set down the basket of effort: of doing it in our own strength. With hands finally free of this impossible burden, we instead can lift them in praise. We can finally, fully walk in worship.
Why one? One was willing. One was fed up enough with his station to a point of transformation. One believed Jesus at His word. One was obedient. One was willing to share his testimony when asked.
Sin glimmers like Egypt from the wilderness: the far-off promise of something easier, but when we get close enough to lay hold, it’s something altogether different than we expected and it’s too late to turn around. Sin is a trap and we are creature caught in it’s clutches. Egypt is not as it seemed.
“If any member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands, when they realize their suit and the sin they have committed becomes known, they must bring as their offering for the sin they committed a female…