+DEV+ Rags to Riches

Date: May 9, 2010 9:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Rags to Riches

Rags to Riches

"All our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 23:1-8

The nation of Israel had come to depend on religious ritual to remove the stain of sin and provide a righteous covering as they worshiped God. They thought that if they kept His commands, they would earn His favor.

No one can fully keep the law. A chasm exists between sinful men and a holy God. Sacrifices temporarily covered sin, but couldn't permanently bridge the gap. The rituals revealed their need for God's righteousness and the futility of trying to earn it.

The sacrifices also pointed to God's coming Messiah, the only One who could permanently pay for and cover their sin. Jehovah Tsidkenu, the LORD our Righteousness, provided the gift of His Son for them and for us. Through Jesus, God declares us clean by giving us His righteousness.

There is nothing we can do to cover our sin, but at the same time, there is no sin too big for Him to cover. Our only solution is the righteousness God gives us in Jesus Christ-a righteousness that turns our rags to riches.

Insight: Is there a stain of sin in your past that you think God won't forgive? Don't try to cover your sin and earn God's approval.