Today’s Reading:
Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15
‘To declare that the Lord is upright. He is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in him”.(v. 15)
The words “unrighteousness” and “righteousness” are generally associated, even in the secular world, with spirituality. Unrighteousness is said to mean: not upright, not virtuous, sinful, wicked, evil, not just/injustice, not conformed in heart and life to the divine law; and means not righteous. All unrighteousness is considered to be sin, and to be ungodly is to be unrighteous (1 John 5:17). The opposite of “unrighteousness” is “righteousness”, which is considered to be the quality of being right in the sight of God, in areas such as character, conscience and conduct. That is, it exposes a man’s nature, attitude and actions. Behaviorally, righteousness is characterized by God’s accepted standards or measures.
In Today’s reading in V15, the Psalmist declares that there is no unrighteousness in God! Since righteousness is the opposite of unrighteousness, therefore, it is right to declare that there is righteousness in God. Gladly enough, the scripture is sprawled with verses acknowledging the righteousness of God.
For God to be considered righteous, therefore, means that He is:
upright (Ps 119:137, Is 26:7), virtuous (2 Pet 1:3), no sin in him (1 John3:5); not wicked (Ps 5:4); no unrighteousness in him (Ps 92:15); He is holy (1 Sam 2:2, Rev 15:4); Just (Deut 32:4); He is righteous (Ps 116:5, 1 John 3:7); loves righteousness (Ps 116:7); righteous in all his ways (Ps 145:17); He is the Lord our righteousness (Jer 23:6); He is a righteous judge (Ps 7:11); his righteousness is very high (Ps 71:19).
Righteousness is one of the chief attributes of God. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith (Rom. 1:17). In 2 Pet. 3:13, we read that righteousness dwells in a new heaven and a new earth, which God has promised for the hereafter.
Like all the good things God gives and promises those who do his will, there are many benefits derived by those who are righteous like God. These include blessings and being blessed (Ps 5:12; 1 Pet 3:14; Ps 106:3; Matt 5:6); the fervent prayers avail much (James 5:16); filled with the fruit of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ (Phil 1:11); will be in everlasting remembrance (Ps 112:6); will have life (Prov.11:19) and a sure reward (Prov 11:18); the eyes of the Lord are on him/her and his ears are open to his/her cry (Ps 34:15); will be covered with a robe of righteousness (Is 61:10); as he/she practises righteousness, she/he is righteous (1 John 3:7); will find life, righteousness and honour (Pr 21:21); delivered from all afflictions (Ps 34:19); become the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor 5:21).
We have seen that there is no unrighteousness with God and many benefits accrue to those who are righteous like God. Also, there are many disadvantages and unpleasantness to anyone who is unrighteous, which include; reproach (Prov.14:34); wages of unrighteousness (2 Pet. 2:13; Rev 22:11-12); condemnation (2 Thess. 2:12), indignation and wrath of God (5-8); and so on. Given the foregoing, it is wise for everyone to key into God’s righteousness, which He has made available to all, through Jesus Christ his Son whom He sent to the world to die for the sins of mankind, though He had no sin. By believing, confession and having faith in the sacrifice made by Jesus with his unblemished blood, death and resurrection, one is saved (Rom. 10:9). In the generosity of our righteous God, the saved man or woman becomes the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor 5:21). He/she now has a right standing with God, declared righteousness, having the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, not his/her own (Rom 3:22; Phil 3:9; Gal 3:6). Just as we are admonished in Matt 6:33, let us seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all other things will be added to us.
Indeed, there is no unrighteousness in God; rather, He is full of righteousness. He is giving and still inviting others to get and key into his righteousness.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord.”
Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for being the righteous God, judge, deliverer, father, friend and everything to mankind.
Lord, thank you for giving believers Your righteousness free of charge. Blessed be your name forever.
Father, please help us to never lose or trade off our righteousness, rather we guide it jealously and hold on tight to it to the very end.
Lord divine; let your righteousness pervade the church, so that the world will know that there is no unrighteousness in You.
Father, let our nation know and feel Your righteousness through the leaders and followers alike, in everything that is done.
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