An exceeding righteousness
An exceeding righteousness
Matthew 5:20-48.
Key verse: Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
The text above details one of the discourses of Christ with His followers and by extension to us as His followers today. He spoke about a kind of righteousness that exceeds a perceived righteousness exercised by the societal lawgivers of the day. In our days equally, we have seen political and religious leaders get caught up in the things they publicly spoke against and are supposed to uphold. It is not entirely their fault, every sinner be it among the lowly and poor, or the high and mighty have a seed of darkness that seeks for avenues in them to lures them into sin against their consciences- Romans 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
A seemingly good example of custodians of law and order in society have been found guilty of heinous crimes eventually. You wonder how they descended into barbarous offenses despite being touted as role models and highly esteemed individuals. There is a man who rose to prominence among the rank and file of the Police and had various awards of excellence and patriotism bestowed upon Him only to be found later in cahoot with fraudsters and committing untold crimes. When called in for questioning, he could not utter a concise defense against these impunities leveled against him. The life of a sinner is a pitiful and short-fused disaster. But glory to God for those who have found the light, they have received the power to overcome sin and its attendant peculiarities- John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. And now, Christ speaks of the expectation of righteous living among these blood-washed individuals. He references a higher expectation above the good laws of the land and a sincere desire to please God. He points out some behaviors we see expressed in the politics of society and religion today, and He affirms God’s frown against such practices among saints.
If you read the entire text, you will see Christ drawing a deadly similarity between the law of murder and anger; that of an insipid insult and “righteous indignation”; & that of adultery and a lustful look. Thus, signifying a higher standard by which we are to live as Christ’s disciples when we altogether avoid these creepy misdemeanors. Other things Christ condemned among the widespread religiosity of the people were: the allowance of begrudgement yet offering gifts; of acceptable societal divorce and remarriage; of retaliation and hatred for the enemy. These things might seem right by the standard of civil society, but they are condemnable before God.
Meditation
1. Would you live for Jesus, and be always pure and good?
Would you walk with Him within the narrow road?
Would you have Him bear your burden, carry all your load?
Let Him have His way with thee.
Refrain:
His pow’r can make you what you ought to be;
His blood can cleanse your heart and make you free;
His love can fill your soul, and you will see
’Twas best for Him to have His way with thee.
2. Would you have Him make you free, and follow at His call?
Would you know the peace that comes by giving all?
Would you have Him save you, so that you need never fall?
Let Him have His way with thee.
3. Would you in His kingdom find a place of constant rest?
Would you prove Him true in providential test?
Would you in His service labor always at your best?
Let Him have His way with thee.
