The Righteous In Christ Shall Flourish

Those who trust in their riches will wither, but the righteous will flourish like green leaves.  Proverbs 11:28

Who are these who will flourish like green leaves? According to the proverbs it the righteous who shall flourish. The problem with that is that none of us can be found righteous by our own merit; our own good deeds. Paul wrote to the Romans (3:9-10): What then? Are we any better off? No, not at all; for we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under the power of sin, as it is written: “There is no one who is righteous, not even one..."

But, God provided us a way to be found righteous in His sight. He sent His only begotten Son to die for us; for our sins; upon the cross. This was for all people.

We are not found righteous by the works of our own hands; but, by faith in the one who died for us. Thanks be to God we are found righteous because of Jesus' work on the cross and will flourish in the Kingdom of God, now and forever.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

John 12:20-22 Do You Want To See Jesus?

John 12:20-22 NIV
We want to see Jesus. At least, I do. What about you? Do you want to see Jesus? Do you want to walk with him? Do you want to talk to him? How about listen to him and follow?

Some Greeks (probably proselytes or Gentiles) went to Philip and told them that they wanted to see Jesus. These Greeks were probably proselytes or Gentiles; but, not full members of the Jewish faith community. Outsiders wanted to see Jesus.

Over the years, I have had people tell me that they desire to see Jesus. They are usually people who genuinely look for the coming of God in full glory (very faithful disciples) or outsiders to the faith (non-Christians). I don't hear it too often from your average run of the mill baptized Christian. What then is our faith all about, if it is not about seeing Jesus face to face, in His Kingdom? Is the church (visible church) really just a social club? Or, is it a place where we come in anticipation of being in His presence more fully and being filled with His word?

The bottom line is that these Greeks who did not know Jesus, wanted to meet him. Do you? You can, you know. He is present in the Word and Sacraments. He can be seen in your neighbors and even those you might consider your enemies. (See Matt 25:31-46) He is with you now and always. May God open the eyes of the world that all who seek Jesus, might see him.

God's Peace - Pr. J