STAY ON THE RIGHTEOUS PATH

Psalms 1:1-6

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.

But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.

They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. 

Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

But not the wicked! 

They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.

They will be condemned at the time of judgment. 

Sinners will have no place among the godly.

For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Have you felt weary in doing good, have you ever felt it not worthwhile walking on the righteous path, you are not alone, the writer of the Psalms felt at one time that it seemed the unrighteous were prospering, that things seems to be going their way, however an encounter with the Lord opened his eyes to see clearly.

Psalms 73:12-13,16-19

Look at these wicked people - enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.

Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?

So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. 

But what a difficult task it is!

Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.

Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.

In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.

Never think that the outward show of splendour or partying is actually an outflow of inner joy, NO, it may just be a mirage!

There are actually two paths, the path of righteousness or the path of wickedness/unrighteousness. Some would try to convince you that there is a third part, the presumed neutral path, but it really is not, for you tend towards one of the two eventually.

Thinking like a realist, one would say, what is the gain, whether I am good or bad, what does it matter? Actually it does, for there is this life and also the afterlife and of course there is God!

We do have earthly government that give judgement on those caught to do evil, however more importantly is the Heavenly Father, whose eyes still roam the earth. His judgment is just and perfect so even when the wicked feel they have escaped the judgment of man they will yet face Him both in this life and the life to come.

In the same way when we walk righteously there is a human reward, however there is a greater reward, the one the Heavenly Father gives both in this life and the life to come. Glory

So the disciple wrote and revealed:

Galatians 6:9

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Stay in that good part, it is a joy for you and for others, it is what the Heavenly Father called us for.

Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

The end will separate the righteous from the unrighteous:

Revelation 21:23,27

And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.

Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Walk on that path of righteousness, you are in a win-win situation.

Remember: Christ is our righteousness. (1Corinthians 1:30.)

He calls us blessed.

Love

@the watcher