Through My Father's Eyesნიმუში

Day 4: My Righteous One

Recently, a legal case in the U.S. involving a prominent and wealthy entertainment figure went to trial. This captivated the interest of many people around the world who watched in anticipation to see the outcome. Several disturbing details were revealed as part of the evidence against this person. After the charges were laid against him, we anxiously waited to hear the judge’s sentencing. Given everything I had heard, I expected he would receive the maximum sentence of up to 11 years in prison.

When the judge handed down a 4-year sentence, I was not happy to say the least. I didn’t think the punishment fit the crime, and I didn’t believe he got what he deserved. It wasn’t long before I felt my heartstrings being convicted by the Holy Spirit. I was reminded that I, too, didn’t get what I deserved. The charges against my life warranted the death of Jesus to pay the price for my redemption. It’s easy to forget mercy when you sit on the judgment seat, looking at others who have fallen to levels that you think are despicable. To God, we have all fallen short of his righteous standard, and no amount of good works can make us righteous before him. The only person who can make us righteous before God is Jesus. When he shed his blood on the cross, he got what we deserved. Instead, we got righteousness in exchange. So, when God looks at you, he sees you through the blood of his Son and calls you righteous. You didn’t earn the righteousness; it’s a phenomenal gift you receive through faith in Jesus Christ.