The Righteousness of God’s Name • Jeremiah 23:5,6; Romans 3:10b-13, 21-26
By Bobby McKay
These days all it takes is the turn of a radio dial, selection of a television station, or download of a podcast and you will hear conflicting opinions and perspectives on the occurrences of our society. Meaningless or inconsequential news stories become fodder for a diverse group of people to argue or act in a divisive manner. The need to be heard or right drowns out valuable discussion and productive dialogue in all the chatter from all angles. Many would rather assume themselves as right than be willing to learn or consider different viewpoints.
When these types of attitudes or arrogances find their way into the local church, the whole fellowship will suffer. Not one time in the Scripture does God call us to be right, but He does require righteousness from His children. You may be wondering, “What is the difference?” One is based on our judgment and the other is based on the truth and holiness of God. The only way for any of us to ever be right before God is to be forgiven and redeemed through the actions of Jesus. He is the essence of righteousness. Every act and word of Jesus was pure in motive and love.
God promised a King who is defined by righteousness. (23:5,6)
When it came to kings, Israel had more than their share of bad ones. King after king did not fear the Lord or keep His commands. When the leadership is flawed, expectations of a good or ethical society are misplaced. No matter how popular a leader may be if he or she is ungodly, nothing else matters eternally. In this wonderful passage, God is saying to His people, “Hold on, a true and righteous King is coming!” Not only will Jesus be the perfect King, but He will also not succumb to the temptation to be selfish that often accompanies leadership.
There is no righteousness apart from God. (3:10b-13)
If you are a nurse, imagine how easy it would be without patients. If you are a teacher, imagine how easy it would be without students. Of course, that is not possible because people are your ministry! The same goes for all of us and sin. Imagine how much better we would all be without sin. Our only hope in this sin-soaked society is to place our faith in the only One who has ever been righteous, Jesus. The Bible clearly states there is not one person in this world who seeks after God on their own. Each of us is in desperate need of forgiveness. While there is enough self-righteousness going around these days, none of it merits salvation for our souls.
God’s righteousness has been fully revealed in Jesus. (21-26)
In Christ alone, our righteousness is found. To be made righteous means to be in good standing or acceptable to God. We can not know righteousness apart from Christ. We are unable to manufacture righteousness on our own. The righteousness God imputed to us is made a reality because of His holiness. Through Jesus and the finished work of the cross, the Father accepts us. How about you? Would you rather be right or righteous? Is it more important to you to make a point or be acceptable to God? With Christ, we can know our future is safe, our sins are forgiven, and sin will not win in the end.
McKay is pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church, Morton.
