Are You Righteous?

O. T. #1884 "Are You Righteous?"

Feb. 18, 2021

Ezekiel 14-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Friend, are you like me, surrounded by deep snow and cold outside? I look out the window and finally see a ray of hope-sunshine! What a welcomed sight after 4 days of this weather in the south. I know the northern states have fresh snow now, too. Hang in there, spring is coming. Are you like me and could use some hope from scriptures today?

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)

This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand. (1 Samuel 17:46a) The young boy David said that while standing in front of the giant Goliath. His focus was on his God, not what he was facing. We know this happened as God used His power in a small rock to bring down the Philistine giant that defiled the God of Israel.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philipians 4:13) We know all those hardships Paul faced for the cause of Christ, to spread His Word and salvation.

Sometimes we just need to be still before the Lord and allow Him to give us wisdom and strength to face our giants.

LET IT GROW

Remember those elders who came to Ezekiel? Those hypocritical elders among the exiles in Babylon, that harbored idols in their hearts pretended to seek a word from God. (verses 1-3) Maybe they wanted to know when their captivity would end or some other good news. God had some news for them alright. Ezekiel's fourth message told of judgment in Jerusalem which was coming. God called for repentance and turning away from their idols. (verse 6) We, too, must guard ourselves from idols (1John 5:21). We know that God is a jealous God, so there is no room for competing deities in our lives. (Exodus 20:5) When we repent, we are agreeing with God against us, admitting that we sin and ask His forgiveness. Then we will be people of God and He will be our God. (verse 11)

Those men were looking for some hope for Jerusalem and those Jews who remained there. Could such a faithless nation be spared from famine, dangerous animals, sword, or plague? Even the faith of Noah, Daniel, and Job could not prevent this. These three were the greatest examples of faith and godly favor; their righteousness could not protect such a wicked land.

Noah lived among a people of great sins, yet he remained faithful to his God. He obeyed God and believed that God would save him and his family. Noah became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (Hebrews 11:7c)

But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Then the Lord said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation. (Genesis 7:1)

In the Hebrew language, righteous, which is the word tsaddiyq (pronounced tsad-deek'), means just, lawful.

The people did not listen to Noah's warning of the Great Flood and repentance, so they were not rescued, but died. Noah received a covenant that God made with him-never to flood the whole earth again.  Noah's family followed him into the Ark and was saved. What a godly influence Noah had in his home!

Our life is to be a contrast with the standards of the world as an example of a righteous person? Others are watching us. Do not underestimate the positive effect that your obedience will have upon those close to you.  Are we choosing to live just and uprightly before God no matter how those around us are living? 

Jesus lived righteously before His Father. He never sinned. We can count on Him to help us lived righteously, too.

LET IT GO

Jesus, our righteousness is as filthy rags. Will You clothe us in Your righteousness?

The LORD is Righteous, Jesus Christ.

Grow our faith so it is pleasing to You and our actions show we are righteous.

To You be the glory forever.