Tag: blood

Lord Our Righteousness

nofearlindaLeave a comment

Today’s name of God was given in Jeremiah 23:5-6, The Lord Our Righteousness which is Jehovah Tsidkeu in Hebrew. God revealed to Jeremiah the prophet that from David’s line would come one who was righteous, a king who we would claim as our righteousness. Jeremiah 23:5-6“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

This is such a wonderful prophecy about our Lord Jesus as the New Testament proclaims we receive our rightousness from Him. Paul states in Romans 3:21-22 “ But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction.” We can have the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus the Son.

We believe Jesus is the Son of God and that he came to earth to be an atonement for our sins allowing himself to die on the cross knowing He would conquer death and be raised to life. The power of His atoning blood and the power of His resurrection is how He imputes His righteousness to us through faith. 1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” We were healed by his death and now when God looks at us He sees the blood of Jesus covering our sins!

There are many wonderful verses about Jesus’ righteousness that He imparted to us. Here are a few to ponder as you marvel at God’s amazing love:

The power of righteousness in our lives. Romans 1:16-17 “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

The cost of Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden and Jesus’ gift to us. Romans 5:17 “For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.”

Our hearts should be humbled by Jesus’ sacrifice. 1 Corinthians 1:29-30 “ so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,”

Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can be clean and pure before God as I’m covered in Jesus’ blood and righteousness. He is our righteous God.

What are your thoughts about Jesus’ righteousness? Do you take it for granted or assume you can have forgiveness and rightness with God without repentance? During this Lenten season, try to keep short accounts with God, going to Him often with your sin and seeking His forgiveness. He will cover you with Jesus’ righteousness just as He promised.

Linda

Exodus, The Power of the Lamb

nofearlinda1 Comment

And the journey continues….Exodus. This lengthy book, #2 in the Old Testament, tells the story of the saving and calling of Moses, the rescue of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt , and their daring escape into the Sinai dessert as God leads the way! It is filled with amazing feats by God including the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the destruction of the Egyptian army, and the delivery of the 10 Commandments. The portion I find most meaningful is when God sent the 10th plague and killed all the first born children and animals in all the homes not marked with the blood of the lamb. This is incredibly significant as it pointed to the perfect lamb of God, Jesus, who came to save all from the death brought on by sin.

Exodus gives detailed directions for the preparation of the Passover lamb, the baking of unleavened bread, and the wearing of traveling clothes. God knew just what they would need as they were going the have to leave in a hurry when commanded to GO by Pharaoh. Exodus 12:6-8, 11-13 6 “Take special care of this chosen animal until the evening of the fourteenth day of this first month. Then the whole assembly of the community of Israel must slaughter their lamb or young goat at twilight. 7 They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the animal. 8 That same night they must roast the meat over a fire and eat it along with bitter salad greens and bread made without yeast. 11 “These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed, wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the Lord’s Passover. 12 On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord! 13 But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt.

Here is what happened after this terrible event and what Pharaoh said, Exodus 12:31-33 31 Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron during the night. “Get out!” he ordered. “Leave my people—and take the rest of the Israelites with you! Go and worship the Lord as you have requested. 32 Take your flocks and herds, as you said, and be gone. Go, but bless me as you leave.” 33 All the Egyptians urged the people of Israel to get out of the land as quickly as possible, for they thought, “We will all die!”

What can we take away from this ancient story? God is omniscient and knows what will happen and when. He knows the rulers of each country and they will bow to His will; He cannot be thwarted. God’s plans are meticulous and totally complete. No Israelite family that followed His directions and were in house covered by the blood of the lamb were killed. Likewise, no person who trusts in Jesus, believes He died on the cross and rose from the dead will be lost. Romans 10:13 “For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” God plans and provides for our good. He knew they would need to leave in haste and had them prepared. He has good plans for you and me and His provisions will always be enough. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Philippians 4:19 “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Lastly, God cannot be thwarted by evil. Pharaoh repeatedly promised to let the Israelites go and then changed his mind. The 9 plagues God sent hardened Pharaoh’s heart against Him, and he set himself against God by refusing to let His people go. God punishment may seem harsh but also showed His mercy. He showed that those belonging to Him would be saved.

Remember John the Baptist’s exclamation in John 1:29 “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” May you see Jesus as your lamb of protection leading you to a life freed from the power and curse of sin. May you look to our great promise keeping God knowing He can and will provide for every detail you need. We have all we need in Jesus. Trust in Him!

Linda