June 13 I Saturday
Ezra 6-8
John 21

“Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” —Galatians 3:8-9

What is the way of righteousness? Paul tells us, “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’” (Romans 1:17). We see examples in Scripture that those who are considered righteous live by faith. From Genesis in the Old Testament, we encounter Abraham, whom God called out and promised him, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2). By faith, Abraham and his wife, Sarah, left their country, their tribe and their family to follow God’s call. Although Abraham and Sarah were barren, God is trustworthy and what He said He would do, He would do. They eventually received their promise of a son, Isaac, by Sarah.
In the book of Exodus, we encounter Moses, who at the age of 80, was sent by God to deliver the Israelites from their bondage of slavery to Pharaoh in Egypt. It is interesting to imagine God sending an 80-year old man with a stick against the greatest military empire of the day. But Moses believed what God said He would do, He would have the power to do. The Israelites were liberated from Egypt by God through Moses.
Later in the book of 1 Samuel, we meet a small boy, David, who faced Goliath, a giant. Although on paper, Goliath should slaughter him, but by faith, David slew Goliath. David believed what God had declared of him was true and that God’s power was sufficient to overcome whatever obstacle stood in his way.
In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he writes of the significance of faith and righteousness: “Abraham ‘believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham” (Galatians 3:6-7). We live righteously before God, like Abraham did, by faith in His ability, by faith in His Spirit and by faith in what He wants to do—not by our own efforts.
The righteous will live in a disposition of trust in who God is and His resources, not trying and to do it for Him. Paul tells us, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith” (Galatians 3:26). We live by a disposition of trust in God and His resources, not just for the forgiveness of our sins, but also for our daily living. The way of righteousness is that we live by faith in God’s resources, abilities and sufficiency.
Prayer: Sovereign God, You are almighty and powerful. I believe what You say will come to pass. As Your child, help me to walk by faith in daily surrender to You. Thank You, God.


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