The Land of Righteousness
Jeremiah 23 bares God's judgement of Judah's shepherds. This 'bare-all' is only rivaled in the Bible by Ezekiel 34. Indulgent, wanton and sheep scattering - these shepherds only ever cared for themselves.
God persistently and consistently acts against injustice and unrighteousness.
Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord ... I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord.
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch ... In His days Judah will be saved ... This is the name by which He will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness. (Jeremiah 23:1-6)
Into this unhealthy religious milieu He places promise and action. Unrighteousness will never stand in perpetuity.
It is as clear as crystal, God suffers not the unrighteous, but rather offers His righteousness to men. The Lord is OUR righteousness, any righteousness I hold is not of me or my doing.
I can't claim righteousness, as I may an inheritance, it is not owed to me. The only contribution I make to secure His righteousness is to say please forgive me followed by thank you and obedience!
My righteousness is shaped by Jesus, it can literally fit over any body, any shape.
Clothed in righteousness I will live in a 'new land'. I move to a 'better place' in life. It will be a land of safety, wisdom and salvation; a land without prejudice. The King who reigns over me now rules in justice and righteousness, no self-interest at all.
BUT - tattoo this verse upon your forehead, walk under its rule all your remaining days, because:
... without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14b)
The land of righteousness is within.
Today's Soul Snippet: