Lover of the Righteous: Devotion for Friday August 3, 2012

Lover of the Righteous

Text: Psalm 146: 8 – The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads. The Lord loves the righteous (New Living Translation).

Two days ago, we saw that a righteous man lives by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5: 7). Today, our text says that “God loves the righteous”. Why did God says, ‘He loves the righteous?’ The reason is simple; they please God (Hebrews 11: 6). Who is the righteous? See Psalm 15 & Hebrews 12: 28. Righteousness is determined by faith and not by law.

Here are some qualities that distinguish a righteous man?
a) Total faith in God (Psalm 31: 14)
b) Bears fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5: 22 & 23)
c) His actions are guided by faith (Habakkuk 2: 4)
d) He fears God and respects man (Matthew 10: 28)
e) He obeys the word of God (Acts 5: 29)
There are more you can add to this.

Note the concern God has for those who are down with burden. Are you down in your spiritual life, academics, business, marriage, career, etc? God has promised to lift you up and He will do it. For those who are righteous and are enjoying the love of God, Treasury of David commentary advised that “those who enjoy the inestimable privilege of his love magnify his name with enthusiastic delight. Loved ones, you must never be absent from the choir! You must never pause from his praise whose infinite love has made you what you are.” How much do you praise God?

Food for Thought: Jesus is our burden bearer (1 Peter 5: 7)

Prayer Points:
1. Use today’s text to pray as led
2. Pray you will please God by your righteous living.