So here I am, a day late with this post, but a friend of mine sent me a link to the Daily Lenten Devotions from BibleGateway.com. Also, there's a 'read through the Gospels during Lent' schedule. Today's reading was Matthew chapters 4-6.
This morning I was reading in chapter 5 where Jesus says, 'For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished ...For I say to you, that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.'
He goes on to talk about not just our actions, but also our thoughts! Most of us can put up a pretty good show on the outside, but the inside as well?? what's going on in my head?
All of this is pretty discouraging, if you ask me. UNTIL I read that I 'may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith...' Philippians 3:9
Why do I keep harping on this point of 'Christ's righteousness' ? Because when I look at the Law, I see how very far from keeping it I am, and how hopeless I would be, were it not for the perfect righteousness of Christ who kept the whole Law, who took my sins with Him to the Cross and paid for them in full.
There is nothing left for me to do but love Him, trust Him, cling to Him, worship Him, and be grateful for his daily mercies and grace.
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We are, indeed, frail and fragile and fallible humans; even when we make our best efforts, our thoughts can betray us. But it is important still to make our best efforts, and to trust in grace ....
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post today.. it's good to have a 'season' to reflect and ponder (although I know we should be doing that all the time!!)
ReplyDeleteOh my poor Judy!! 2ft of snow :( I couldn't cope with that... it's been raining here and the wind sounds very eeerrrryyy
Thanks for the reminder to a Baptist guy that it is now Lent. Better, the reminder that my performance will never avert the wrath I deserve. My Performer became my Sin-Bearer and will be my Judge. What a sweet deal for a wretch (Isaiah 64; Philippians 3:7-11).
ReplyDeleteI once heard someone say, 'The greatest friend of a guilty person is a merciful judge.'
ReplyDeleteGood works don't merit salvation, but when we trust in Christ who did merit salvation, good works will be a natural outpouring of our love and gratitude.
Amen to that. And as surely as night follows day, so in our Lord's amazing creation spring will follow winter. Even if you still have 2 feet of snow! Every blessing, Judy.
ReplyDeleteWell said! The law reminds me how very in need of a savior I am. Thank you, Jesus.
ReplyDeleteBlessings...
Johnnie
Another thoughtful post. Thanks. I am going to read He Chose the Nails during Lent this year.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, the law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. Thank God that He gave us the law to show us how indeed sinful we are. And thank Him even more that He sent His only Son to die for the ugly, sinful person that I am. In Him I am free from the penalty of sin and death. Praise the Lord! And thanks for the wonderful reminder.
ReplyDeletePRaise God for His love and mercy! I am humbled that God loves me!
ReplyDeleteIf it were not for forgiveness and sacrifice, we would all be lost. Love your ending point!
ReplyDeleteSo true!!!
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