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21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed and is attested by the Law and the Prophets, 22 the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24 they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26 it was to demonstrate at the present time his own righteousness, so that he is righteous and he justifies the one who has the faith of Jesus.

27 Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. Through what kind of law? That of works? No, rather through the law of faith. 28 For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of gentiles also? Yes, of gentiles also, 30 since God is one, and he will justify the circumcised on the ground of faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law through this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

 

That word righteousness rears its head again. Once again, I find myself reaching out to better understand what is meant by righteousness. The Hebrew word for righteousness is tzedek and encompasses a whole gamut of ideas:

· Justice and fairness

· Upright and ethical behavior

· Faithfulness to God and His law

Together, this appears to flesh out what righteousness is. Righteousness is not just about our spiritual side. It should flow into every nook and cranny of our world and impact every relationship in our lives.

 

But of course, that cannot be all right? Luther proposed that there are two aspects of righteousness. First, there is an ‘alien’ righteousness which comes from God outside of us since we cannot produce it ourselves. Second, there is “proper” righteousness that comes from within. This internal righteousness flows from the Holy Spirit, producing those good works in the world. I think I am grasping it better. Lucky, for me I have the rest of my life to allow God, through the Spirit, to use me as a broken, faltering vessel of righteousness in the world.

 

God, I want to be like your Son so that I can better understand You. Grant me the patience, love and openness to hear your Spirit guiding my life. Amen

 

Chad Ryberg

Cryberg@livinglord.org

 

Prayer Concern: Patience in a busy life