Monday, September 26, 2011

Psalm 16, Malachi 2:1-3:5, Matthew 4:1-11 - Lectionary for 9/26/11

Today's readings are Psalm 16, Malachi 2:1-3:5, and Matthew 4:1-11.

We see it all the time in others. I wonder if we see it in ourselves? The people in Malachi view themselves as righteous. They consider that they have done what is good in the sight of God. They deserve his rewards. After all, they have been blessed by God. Wasn't everything fine all along?

But God is not subject to our whims or our idea of righteousness. We don't get to determine his standard of what is acceptable. Our Lord demands perfect love and trust. He accepts no substitutes, none, that is, but faith in the perfect love, trust, and obedience of Jesus, God the Son.

Do we wish to stand before God in our righteousness? Or shall we depend on Jesus, who clothes us in his righteousness? Let us beware, for when God comes to judge the world, none can stand but by faith in Christ. All else will fail. Yet, clothed in Christ's righteousness we stand faultless before the throne of God.

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