June 18, 2018: Righteous Are You
Today’s Bible Reading: 2 Kings 10-11, Psalm 119:137-144, Luke 5:27-32, Philippians 2:12-18 Psalm 119:137-144: It is almost a truism to say that what God does is right—but we nonetheless often question whether that truism is true in actual fact. Some of the parts of the Bible may seem to us harsh or difficult to understand. Some of what happens in this world (all of which we believe is somehow or other under God’s sovereign control) is undeniably harsh, painful, and difficult to understand. And yet, in the words of the psalm, “Righteous are you, O Lord, and right are your rules” (119:137). In fact, this issue of God’s “right-ness” or his “righteousness” is the key thread throughout this section of the psalm. It occurs twice in verse 137 to set the tone for the following verses. It occurs twice in verse 138 (“You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness.”) Similarly, he says in verse 140, “Your promise is well tried.” It is reliable. Again in verse 142, “Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true.” This has the word “righteous” appearing twice, and a similar idea has been expressed in different words when it says “your law is true.” And then again in the concluding verse 144, “Your testimonies are righteous forever.” Because of this, the psalmist has a certain attitude to the Bible:
- He is passionate about the Bible. “My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words” (119:139).
- He loves the Bible. “Your servant loves [the Bible]” (119:140).
- He remembers the Bible. “I do not forget your precepts” (119:141).
- He delights in the Bible. “Your commandments are my delight” (119:143).