August 15, 2022

 

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

Proverbs 4, 18 - 19

 

Dear Readers,

 

the cry for justice cannot be ignored. People all over the world are suffering from injustice and unfairness. In many countries, people are hungry not only for bread and water, but also for democracy and a fair, independent judiciary. Many people suffer from corruption and arbitrary government. Many women and children are deprived of their dignity every day. They are exploited, often enslaved.

 

It is precisely these people in their suffering which Jesus has in mind. In his Sermon on the Mount (Gospel of Matthew Ch. 5, 6 + 10) he says:

 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

Jesus loves justice. Because he is just. Because God is just. Jesus Christ promises that there will be no more injustice in God's new world. But Jesus does not just comfort. He challenges his followers to turn God's justice into their central theme of life, already today (Gospel of Matthew ch. 6, 33). His invitation:

 

Seek his kingdom first, together with his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

 

God's righteousness should have our top priority. It should enter into our lives already today. This also states clearly that a righteous person is not automatically a person without any flaws. Even a righteous person makes mistakes. Even a righteous person can disappoint God. But someone who is interested in God's righteousness in everyday life wants to live differently. He longs for God's justice. That is what he strives for.

 

God's justice includes His faithfulness, His reliability, His truth, His love, His grace. And this divine righteousness should characterize the life of the righteous person. He wants to be faithful. His words are to be believed and trusted. He tells the truth and lies to no one. He meets his fellow human beings with respect and love and not with humiliation or hatred. He wants to be merciful with his fellow human beings, who are not free of mistakes. Like he by himself. For he knows the beam in front of his eyes (Gospel of Matthew ch. 7, 3).

 

The life of a Christian who lives by these standards is like a path. A path is not a highway, but a very narrow way. Sometimes you must search for a path first. And so, it is with the path of righteousness. But it can be found if we follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Whoever follows Jesus follows this path of faith and righteousness.

 

This path of faith carries a wonderful promise from God: the path becomes brighter and brighter. The path of faith becomes brighter and brighter like a path in the morning sun. With each step of faith, it becomes brighter. With each day it becomes brighter. God's presence shines with its brilliance into the lives of the righteous. Until the day, when this path of life will find its end in front of God and the heavenly splendor outshines everything that has passed.

 

In contrast, the way of life of godlessness is a wide path. It can be found effortlessly on every street corner. Lies and corruption invite everywhere. Infidelity and deceit have wide doors. Unkindness and strife lure early in the morning for a day of darkness both  in the heart and mind. These paths never lead into the light but always into darkness.

 

If you, dear reader, have found the faith path of righteousness, then rejoice and continue your pilgrimage with the Lord Jesus! You are on a very good path if you follow Jesus! And if you are still searching, then ask Jesus Christ to brightly illuminate the path of faith. So that you can take the first steps towards the righteousness of God.

 

I would like to invite you for a prayer:

 

Jesus Christ, I long for a just world. Fill my life with your justice. Come into my everyday life. Let me know your justice. Show me your truth, your faithfulness, your love. Fill my heart, my thoughts, my life with your bright light. Let me walk in your trail of blessings every day.

 

I pray for the many people who suffer from injustice. I name you ... (please state your personal requests here).

 

Please help these suffering people, have mercy on them and bring your light to their need. Amen.

 

Thank you for listening and praying with me.

 

Druckversion | Sitemap
© 2023 Hans-Peter Nann