DAVID DECLARES IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS Devotion 28 of 28 The passage we have considered is one of most weighty of all Scripture. By "weighty," I mean it brings much with it. It is like the wagons that Joseph sent to Jacob, providing for him and all of his posterity to come to Egypt. An abundance of supplies accompanied those wagons – "corn and bread and meat for his father by the way" (Gen 45:19-23). What was in those wagons was sufficient to feed Jacob and his family all the way to Egypt. Those wagons were a rich confirmation to Jacob that Joseph was indeed alive, even though Jacob, for over thirteen years, had thought he was dead. When Jacob "saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived: and Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die" (Gen 45:27-28). – Tomorrow, A new series:
"But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: 'Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin." (Romans 4:5-8, NKJV)
There are texts of Scripture that are especially laden with food for the soul. While "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Tim 3:16), all of it does not carry the same weight. Scriptures that upbraid the arrogant are not as weighty as those that commend the faithful steward. Texts that deal with temporal relationships do not carry as many provisions for the soul as those that deal with eternal ones. The commandment that says "Thou shalt not commit adultery" is not as powerful as the exceeding great and precious promises by which we become "partakers of the Divine nature" (2 Pet 1:4). Many souls are in a spiritually starved condition because they feed only on the elementary teachings of Scripture – something we are strictly forbidden to do (Heb 6:1-6).
This by no means suggests portions of God's Word can be ignored, or that they is not profitable. It DOES mean texts that expound Jesus carry more food for the soul than those that restrain sinners. Texts that unveil the Person of God and make known His eternal purpose are not to viewed as equal with texts dealing with domestic relationships or the handling of money.
This ought to be so obvious that no further comment is required. But, alas, there are still some who are not accustomed to such reasoning. They spend their time trying to find out what they are supposed to do, all the while neglecting the proclamations that would open the door to satisfying knowledge and understanding in those areas.
Our text has dealt with how men are "made righteous" (Rom 5:19). Since we are to seek first the Kingdom of God "AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS" (Matt 6:33), this text could not possibly be more important or relevant. There is sufficient truth compressed into it to feed the soul for many days to come. The apprehension of this text will shed light on all of Scripture. It will also illuminate life itself. The power of Satan will be neutralized when you believe this text. It will bring heaven closer to you, and put this present evil world further from you.
I challenge you to zealously avoid any trend of theological thought that makes no place for this passage, or relegates it into the background of your thinking.
Considerations that clarify this text, bringing it into the thought processes, are good, and should be nurtured.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me wisdom and discretion to handle Your Word correctly.