PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Proverbs 21-22
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21)
Jesus pursued righteousness and love – what did he find?
That depends on WHEN we’re looking in his life.
For his life on earth, he did not find life, prosperity and honor.
But after his death, God found Him and turned things around.
Jesus is alive, all creation belongs to him, honored over all!
God created us all for life, prosperity and honor.
God’s heart breaks for all people who suffer without these.
Trapped within Satan’s lies, God sent Jesus to break Satan’s grip.
Satan could not redirect Jesus away from righteousness and love.
Jesus’ success is humanity’s success, for a human now rules over Satan.
We stand with him, and share in that victory, if we pursue it too.
To love people and to do what is right – even if we do it poorly.
Jesus took care of the perfection, all he wants from us is the intention.
Are we truly, honestly pursuing his kingdom, his righteousness?
PRAYER
Lord, I do not need to beat Satan’s lies – you did that for me. All that you ask is that I pursue love and right living to the best of my ability, with your help. You will take care of the rest!
“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice…Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,…So that your trust may be in the Lord,” That’s the whole point of all these wise sayings – to help me walk in the way of the Lord: avoid these pitfall- don’t get caught up in sloth or too much party – avoid being tempted by lust etc. At the same doing the right acts – rituals – is not also a waste of time if my walk with the Lord is contradictory. Lord help me to walk and talk your ways – teach me your ways O Lord!
Listen to the words of the wise. Listen to the voice saying, This is the way. Walk in it. The heart of the matter is keeping His word. Trust Him. Walk in His way. Walk in His light. Listen to the Teacher.
May my words and deeds Lord show that I am in our service, depending upon You to show me the way, trusting You always.
Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.
Refrain:
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.