Righteousness Exalts

Pray for U.S.
Terry R. Baughman

“The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations” (Psalm 98:2 NIV).

God’s plan for humanity is fulfilled in His creation. All of nature testifies to His glory and reveals the expanse of His infinite power. Significantly, God has further spoken to us through the prophets and proclaimed His divine acts through their words. Peter stated, “Beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days” (Acts 3:24 NIV). Later He wrote, “That no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21 NIV).

Besides the vocal witnesses, God has also used groups of people, even nations to show the path of righteousness and the value of walking under His guidance. His chosen people Israel had a particular destiny, to demonstrate the glory of the name of the Lord. Moses said, “The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him. Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will fear you” (Deuteronomy 28:9-10 NIV).

Unfortunately, Israel frequently failed to keep God’s laws and sought fulfillment in the practices of other nations. They embraced their pagan idols and abandoned the God of the Covenant. The prophets called the people of Israel to repent of their transgressions and return to their God. At times there was true repentance and renewed commitment to God, however, it was usually short-lived.  

Other times God used Israel to bring judgment on nations that were more wicked. The hand of judgment against their adversary was not a commendation of Israel, but was rather a condemnation against a nation whom God sought to correct. Moses cautioned the people of Israel against pride when the residents of Canaan were driven out before them. He said, “It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations” (Deuteronomy 9:5 NIV).

Our nation has enjoyed prosperity, growth, and political power in the world. When we go back to the foundation of this nation we find people that sought a place in the world where they could be free from tyranny and oppression, a place where they could worship freely and without government intrusion. Though we may not consider them all of our founding fathers to be Christian, many were believers in the God of the Bible, and they were united in the desire to create a safe place to exercise their faith and honor God in their pursuits.

There is no doubt we have been propelled to a place of power in the world to show forth the blessing of God when people treat others with respect, provide opportunities to follow their dreams, and make room for God in our public displays. We have reached a point in history where that is all being threatened by leaders who have no respect for moral values and biblical guidance. Now is the time to arise and to encourage others to return to God, repent of our failures and seek His favor. 

The ancient scripture still rings true, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV). It is time for a return to righteousness, and an opportunity to experience God’s blessings again!

Theme passage:
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people” (Proverbs 14:34 NIV).