by Pastor Bob Lawrenz
In our reading this morning, we find God speaking to David, to the Jews, and to every Believer, that He will be faithful to His own. It is a covenant statement.
We tend to equate righteousness with holiness, faithfulness, obedience, and devout, unwavering faith. When we see these outward qualities in an individual, we often wish for that kind of walk with the Lord. And though that may be mankind's definition of righteousness, it cannot be God's definition , for God does not look upon the outward appearances, but sees the inward heart.
King David was less than holy, faithful, obedient, devout, and did not possess an unwavering faith. The same can be said of the Jews overall, and most certainly of New Testament Believers also. The scriptures are clear: "There is none righteous, no not one." - Romans 3:10; "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." - Romans 3:23
We conclude then, that righteousness belongs only to the Lord God, and it is somehow entrenched with His glory.
In Psalm 112:1 & 3, it tells us "Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His commandments... ( the man's) righteousness endureth forever." Somhow then, God has the ability, and the desire to share His righteousness with any who fear Him, and delight in His commandments.
Someone who does not delight in God's commandments surely will not fear Him, nor respect His word. So now, it is of David, of the Jews, and of the Church that we must examine: Do any delight in God's commandments? Do we hang on every word of God? Do we honor and respect Him in that way, and find ourselves more delighted in His will rather than our own?
If you and I are feeling convicted, and guilty, and find ourselves falling short, then take heart dear Believer. For God also delights in a few things too! He delights in mercy and grace, and offers forgiveness to any who ask it.
"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy." - Micah 7:8
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:16
