The Seed of Righteousness
READ: Psalm 1
Once as a science project, we watched the very beginning process of seeds sprouting. Since seeds are usually in the dirt when this happens (and where you can’t see them), we put them in clear plastic bags with wet paper towel so we could watch them sprout. Within days, the dry, lifeless seed had sprouted green, moist shoots.
Our hearts are like a lifeless seed. We’re born into this world with a sin-darkened heart that leads to death and eternal punishment. But God promises that the righteous will be blessed, that they are “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:3)
But how is it that we become righteous? If we’re born sinful and doomed, and we can see so much sin in our lives, how can we ever hope to be righteous before God? The warnings in this Psalm are pretty stern for those who are wicked and sinful. Verse 6 says “the way of the wicked will perish.”
The answer is JESUS! Our Savior’s perfect life, innocent death, and glorious resurrection becomes our righteousness through faith. “But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known…This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Romans 3:21,22). By God’s grace through the power of his Word and the Holy Spirit, we know Jesus imparts his righteousness on us, and we can be sure that we will yield fruit, that we will not wither, and that the LORD watches over our way. Stay in the Word, and see how big your seed of faith grows!
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How often to do you study God’s Word? What’s your favorite section of Scripture? Why is it important to share Jesus with those who don’t know him?
THINGS TO PRAY ABOUT: Ask God to keep you steadfast in your faith until he comes. Ask him to use you as his instrument to share God’s love with others. Pray for unbelievers, that they might come to know the love and hope found in Jesus.