Psalm 71; 1 Kings 22:29-45; 1 Cor. 2:14-3:15; Matt. 5:1-10
Ahab’s death confirms the word of the prophet Micaiah. He did not wear robes of office into battle in an attempt to conceal his identity, knowing that the Syrians would be specifically looking to kill him in battle. It made no difference whether the Syrians knew his identity, the Lord knew which one was Ahab and it was His will that Ahab die in battle as prophesied. As the blood ran into the chariot, the entire word of Micaiah was fulfilled, not simply that Ahab would die, but that the blood would be drunk by the dogs. The chariot would have been washed at a pool frequented by prostitutes and therefore incorporated into the water there is the explanation for the second part of the prophetic word. All in all an ignominious end for a bad king.
Jesus begins His teaching ministry and right out of the box He sets forth a truly counter-cultural way of being. Those who are blessed are those who are not looking for their blessings in this life. The pursuit of righteousness is at the center of the beatitudes, in verses 6 and 10. Why is righteousness noted twice in these few verses? It would seem that righteousness has something to do with the verses that precede it in both instances. We don’t talk much about righteousness these days, it has gone out of fashion in the consumerism of our day. We think of Puritanism when we talk of righteousness, a legalistic way of life and yet Jesus indicates that we should pursue righteousness as a way of life. The pursuit of righteousness will reveal how far from Godliness the world truly is and indeed there will be persecution for a different way of life, a way of life that exposes the world for its sin. Are we prepared to be that different?
Our faith is founded on the righteous sacrifice of Jesus. He knew no sin, lived a life of perfect righteousness. Is He our example or simply our savior? If the foundation of faith is righteousness should we not build on that foundation with righteousness as well? We cannot simply rest on justification but are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, pursuing sanctification. Would Paul address us as spiritual or in the flesh? Dallas Willard wrote, “Grace is opposed to earning, not effort.” We have been given a great gift and our salvation is based on the reality that Jesus lived a perfectly righteous life and therefore pleased God the Father who accepted His sacrifice as atonement for our sins, that is grace, a gift to us based on faith in Jesus alone. Now that we have received that gift, secure in our salvation we are to pursue the righteousness of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. That should result in our lives being measurably different from those who are not Christians. Maybe we need to take stock and hit our knees.
And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
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