Lens of Christ
Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! 2His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. 4Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. 5It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. 6For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. (Psalm 112:1-6)
Today we read a psalm by an author unknown. Does it say that because of my faith, I will prosper? Yes, at face value it says that, but what does that mean in a world where wicked prosper and people we know who weren't of faith have their names etched in this history books we read? As has been said in past devotions, the Old Testament needs to be read through the lens of Christ.
Paul notes to the people of Corinth in his second letter this affirmation, "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
Our fear and love of God bring us to renewed faith in God, written on our hearts at the time of our baptism by the Holy Spirit. Yes, we will be counted as among the righteous. Yes, by faith we will be with Christ in eternity. Yes, we may suffer while here on earth, but that suffering is temporary in comparison with an eternity with Christ. Our hope is found in Christ.
Pray with me: Gracious God, heavenly Father, I count myself blessed by the promise of faith in you and your Son. The light that dawns on my life as a result of your Spirit, who renews me and gives me strength daily, gives me pause to say a word of thanks. In Christ's name, Amen.