There is Peace in righteousness.
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Scripture Passage
“In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord. But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.
When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside.”
-Luke 1:5-10
“The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor”
-Proverbs 21:21
“The result of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever.”
-Isaiah 32:17
Message
It is clear, when you read these passages, that Zechariah and Elizabeth are being chosen by God for something special. The author of Luke took time to make the point that they were both righteous in God’s sight. Why would that be important to us today? God promises through His word that pursuing a righteous life results in “life, righteousness, and honor” (Proverbs 21:21). His word also tells us that you will gain Peace through righteousness (Isaiah 32:17).
That is what we all want; Peace. Zechariah and Elizabeth are probably happy and at Peace in their old age, even without children, but the Lord is going to bless them with a child and they will gain a new Peace. They are the parents of John, who would become known as, “the Baptist.” He is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy that says the prophet Elijah would precede the coming Messiah. Through Zechariah and Elizabeth’s righteousness, they will receive the blessing of seeing the promise of God come to light.
So, how is righteousness in the sight of the Lord achieved? In a word…obedience! Whenever we choose to obey God, and keep His commands, we gain righteousness in His eyes. The more we choose His ways and abandon the ways of the world, the more He looks upon us in righteousness. And the more He finds us righteous, the more Peace we have. This of course does not mean that our lives are made easy; only that we are more able to find contentment in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13). But what are His commands for us?
“This is what I command you: Love one another.”
-John 15:17
Jesus asks only one thing from us. Love one another! That is how we are to keep His commands and find righteousness. Through this we will find Peace. Take time this Advent season to show a little more love, and maybe you might find a little more Peace in your heart as a result.
Prayer
Lord, God Almighty,
Show us how to love better. Give us Peace when we show love, and look upon us as if we have been righteous. Choose us to be Your voice. Help us to pursue You and Your righteousness as we go through this season. In the blessed name of Jesus.
Amen.
