September 29
READ Psalm 106:1–5.1 Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare his praise? 3 Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right. 4 Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, 5 that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise.
ALWAYS DO WHAT IS RIGHT.
This psalm is all about humankind’s constant ingratitude and God’s unmerited grace (“chosen ones,” verse 5) and patience. The message of grace despite sin is introduced, however, by this beatitude: “Blessed are those. . . who always do what is right” (verse 3). The Gospel of grace must never, ever be taken as an even temporary license not to do right. Despite (no, because of) God’s wonderful patience and mercy, we are always obligated to do right. There is never an excuse for giving in to temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Bottomless stores of mercy and unbending demands for righteousness almost never go together in any human being. Our temperament inclines us one way or the other. But these are perfectly combined in God.
Prayer:
Lord, your boundless stores of grace are nothing but an incentive for total, uninterrupted righteousness. How can I rebel against the one who did all this for me, and at such cost? Lord, let your grace so dazzle me that I always do what is right. Amen.
Amen