January 13: Righteousness Pays Big Time!
“And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:” Genesis 41:37–39 (KJV).
Righteousness is a process that involves living a holy and upright life in accordance with God’s standard. Righteousness, I might add, is the gift of God to those who have surrendered themselves to God through Jesus, to be taught the devotion for upright living. It is not acquired through good works and certainly not through good looks, religion, going to church or serving in any capacity therein. Righteousness has its rewards physically and spiritually. I look at it like this; it is like filling a cup with a choice fluid. When the cup is full, it triggers its reward. The same goes for unrighteousness, when its cup is full, it triggers its consequences. In both cases, you reap what you sow.
A typical example of a righteous servant of God in the Old Testament was Joseph, the son of Jacob whose mother was Rachel. He went through trials for many years—trials that were initiated by his own brothers. The very people who were supposed to love, protect and defend him were the very ones who had to sell him into slavery. His experiences from the hands of his brothers and in Potiphar’s house and in the dungeon could have created anger and bitterness in his heart, but he trusted the LORD and still remained faithful to his God. He didn’t allow the trials to affect his love for God and man, and in the end, God made Him a prime minister in Egypt. If Joseph had spent his days in anger and bitterness against his tormentors, he would probably have missed God’s blessing or could have delayed his calling.
God rewarded him [Joseph] for his faithfulness and devotion to Him [God] and man (see Hebrews 11:6). Dear beloved, the story of Joseph, and every other story in the Bible is to teach, encourage, remind and strengthen us to be mindful of our service to God. It is absolutely important to never allow anger to lead you to revenge or to be bitter against your oppressors; it can only ruin your chances and steal your reward. Look to Jesus Christ, and continue pleasing and glorifying Him in the midst of your challenges. A day is coming when all your righteous acts and faithful service will be rewarded, just like Joseph. At that time, your Hallelujah! Will resound as a full-hearted shout of joy, praise, worship and adoration for the Lord. Note: We’re trained to be overcomers through faith and obedience to the Lord no matter our circumstances, situations or conditions. Our strength is in the Lord, Jesus!
Let’s pray: O Lord, Your Word has assured me; the righteous shall inherit the land and dwell therein forever and that the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. May I be found worthy of Your gift of righteousness that I will be blessed according to Your holy Word, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Today’s reading: Genesis 30-32; Matthew 9:1-17
Righteousness is the Gift of God.