The Work of Righteousness
Today’s Verse:
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. ~Isaiah 32:17
The word “righteousness” is found 289 times in the Bible. It describes the character and person of our Lord. Jesus is the Lord our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6). Jesus will reign during the Millennium in righteousness. I tell people that righteousness is being just like God. Isaiah said that the work of righteousness is peace.
We see it in our salvation.
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). We attain righteousness through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. We are unrighteous apart from our saving faith in Jesus Christ’s shed blood, death on the cross, and resurrection from the dead. “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:20). The peace that is attained is peace with God. We are reconciled to God, and the enmity between us and God is completely removed.
We see it in our supplication.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). In the world, we will have anxieties, stress, and worry. We become restless, discouraged, and even depressed. Prayer and supplication with thanksgiving are the gateway to the peace of God. The peace of God surpasses the understanding of man and rules, or steadies, our anxious heart and mind.
We see it with the Scriptures.
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” The work of righteousness is when the Word of Christ dwells in us richly in all wisdom. Our love for God’s Word is seen in our devotion to the reading, meditation, heeding, and study of the Word. Our devoted study of the Word leads to great peace. We have great peace about God’s will and God’s working in our life. Those who love God’s Word are people who are Word-filled and tend to be at peace with how God is working. This can be seen in the life of the diligent preacher and of the faithful soulwinner.
We see it in our submission.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” God promises perfect peace when we trust in Him completely. Trust is being in submission to God’s will and way for us. A mind that is stayed on God sees His “plan A” and is not looking for a “plan B.” It is a mind that cannot be moved. It is a mind that that does not lean unto its own understanding. It is not wise in its own eyes, but trusts the Lord and departs from evil. Perfect peace is being completely contented with the outcome that God has designated. Perfect peace is peace in the midst of the storm. It is peace that is secure and safe, regardless of what is happening around you.
The work of righteousness is peace. When we exercise faith, obedience, and submission, we are working righteousness. This peace is yours when you meet its conditions.
Have a peaceful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Proverbs 30-31