Psalms 85:10-13 (NASB) Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth springs from the earth, And righteousness looks down from heaven. 12 Indeed, the Lord will give what is good, And our land will yield its produce. 13 Righteousness will go before Him And will make His footsteps into a way.
I was listening to Adrian Rogers the other day, teaching about our High Priest. He was illustrating and educating on the connection between Jesus and Melchizedek. It was an utterly fascinating lesson, sparking a much deeper study for me to pursue, one I’m sure I’ll share at some point with you. However, for today, I want to address the above passage from Psalms. Pastor Rogers mentioned it briefly in his sermon, but I felt compelled to give it more than passing acknowledgement.
What struck me about this passage was the affectionate connection righteousness and peace share. In verse 10, the psalmist writes, “righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” They are intimately intertwined. I find that interesting. To me, it implies that they are bound together, that they need one another for either to exist.
Ever find yourself asking, “why can’t I have peace in my home?” Could it be for lack of righteousness? What about peace at work, in the community, nationally, around the globe? I think it’s fair to say that most people prefer peace over angst, division or war. So, if most prefer peace, why do most experience little if any at all? My contention is that we desire peace, but often times, forsake righteousness. When things are stressed and strained in my home, at work, within my personal relationships, I can guarantee those are times my focus is not on Jesus, walking as He’d see me walk. The world around us, exemplifies it. It’s been the case since the fall. We seek ways to create “peace”, but cast aside the only way to attain it, the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
I can confidently say that I am most at peace when I am closest to God. Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit, a seed of righteousness to dwell within us. When I am tending to that seed, watering and nurturing it, I tend to be more observant of others, more gracious, more kind, more understanding, more righteous in my behavior. As a result, peace settles in on me. That’s not to say that troubles and struggles no longer exist, but that I can walk through them with a “peace that surpasses all understanding”.
In verse 11 the psalmist speaks of truth springing from the earth and righteousness shining down from heaven. Walking in Truth (Jesus Christ) yields righteousness from heaven, fruits of the Holy Spirit. In verses 12 and 13, God shows His faithfullness, fulfilling His promise of blessings and a continued layering of righteousness, a way to peace, His Way! Just some thoughts to ponder. Have a blessed weekend!
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
