May 17, Righteous and Faithful

Today’s reading: Psalms 81-85

“Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven” - Psalm 85:10-11.

While the psalmists often lamented their current state of affairs, they always ended their pleas for help with affirmations in God’s goodness. They also began to look forward to a king who was yet to come who would take up the cause of the righteous and establish justice. Of course we now know the king they were anticipating is Jesus, and He epitomizes what is described in today’s passage. He was faithful on earth and the Righteousness who came down from heaven. Now you are to follow His ways and operate in a righteousness that is not your own as you behave in a faithful manner that pleases God and blesses other people. Paul wrote, “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:18). Are you a slave to righteousness? Do you mirror Jesus’ heart and actions to those around you? Are you known for your faithful, consistent and godly behavior at work, school, church or neighborhood?