Righteousness: Part II

Yesterday we began our study of the word righteousness. We started with some basic definitions from the Oxford and Merriam-Webster dictionaries. We dug deeper in scripture and found connected words - words like faith, justifiable, morality and love. What I want to offer today is some examples of people and actions in the Bible that were credited by others as righteous.

So the question becomes, "Who in the Bible was righteous?"

In a similar period of prophetic ministry like Paul - just over twenty years- we find Ezekiel. He was tasked with providing perspective in the form of warnings, so that the people of Babylon might turn to obedience and worship in God.

He writes in chapter 14:12-14, concerning the coming destruction in Jerusalem, "The word of the Lord came to me:  "Son of man, if a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its people and their animals, even if these three men - Noah, Daniel and Job - were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign Lord." "

These are some very strong words. And in this example, we find three men that were credited, by God, for being righteous.

In Genesis, God made a covenant with Noah. Those who believe in this passage of scripture can even see the resemblance, and believe, every time we see a rainbow in the sky.

Genesis 9:12-17 says, "And God said, "This is sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come:  I have set a rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and a rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever a rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on earth."

So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on earth."

I find it highly improbable, without coincidence in particular, that the word everlasting is used in verse 16. The fact that God uses the word everlasting when speaking to Noah, is irrefutable truth that God reigns. The Lord promised; and He keeps his promises.

When thinking of Daniel, the story that resonates in the minds of most is his interpretation of the dream had by Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon. He had dreams that troubled him greatly. He called on astrologers, enchanters, magicians and sorcerers. None of these were equipped to interpret his dream. But there was one, Daniel; who was able.

Unlike the king, Daniel called upon the Lord for wisdom and guidance.

Daniel 2:19-23 reflects his faith in God.

"During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised God and said, "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank you and praise you, God of my ancestors:  You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king." "

Daniel did not summon astrologers, enchanters, magicians or sorcerers as his advisors. He instead, rather appropriately, called on Almighty God for guidance and direction. His request was specific. Directed toward one God, and God fulfilled his request.

Have you ever heard of the Stone Age, Bronze Age or Iron Age? My first thought is a resounding, "Yes." You were most likely taught about these periods in your high school history class. A look in Daniel 2 provides a direct prophecy, fulfilled thousands of years later, of those periods in time. What we need to be reminded of, and remember, is that it was prophesied, and the prophesy in approximately 600 BC, was known by Daniel.

Daniel's interpretation of the dream of the king, is found in Daniel 2:27-45. He remained righteous in his faith, and in his actions, and would be rewarded by the Father.

Daniel 12:8-13 affirms the outcome.

"I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, "My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?"

He replied, "Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

"From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of 1,335 days.

"As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."

How about Job?

Job is a unique example in the Bible. In the book of Job, the Lord allows the devil to test Job's faith. Job 1:8 says, "Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." " 

A messenger comes to Job to tell him that all of his oxen and donkeys have been stolen and his servants slaughtered. Another comes immediately after saying his sheep and servants were burned from a blaze of fire. Still another comes at the same time to report that his camels were taken and his servants, "put to the sword" in Job 1:17.

Finally, it is reported that, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you! ," in Job 1:18-19.

This was all done by Satan, whom the Lord allowed to test his righteousness, character and faith. But Job, even through suffering, pain, the loss of his livelihood and even his sons and daughters; may have cried out in misery and anger, but he did not waiver in his faith in the Lord.

In Job 29:14, he says, "I put on my righteousness as clothing; justice was my robe and my turban."

What we can learn through the examples in the book of Job, is that suffering will undoubtedly come. We may be tested, we will be disciplined; but it is our job to call on the Lord, remaining faithful.

So what can we learn from the examples of Biblical righteous men?

Rulers will rule, and perhaps even prosper, for a time. Power is not for those who will use it in unjust ways.

All of the advisors in the world will remain ineffective, if their guidance is not found in the principles of God.

Look no further than Daniel 12:3. "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever."