God's Righteousness and Ours

There is striking parallel between Psalms 111 and 112. In Psalm 111 the LORD is praised for his wonderful works, which declare his graciousness and compassion. The psalmist concludes, “his righteousness endures forever.” Psalm 112 begins with the same call to praise the LORD, but this time the ground is the gracious and compassionate works of the righteous man. And the psalmist likewise concludes, “his righteousness endures forever.” The righteousness of the people of God is to endure just as the righteousness of God Himself endures. We learn from this that the way God works establishes the pattern of our own working. Just as the grace, compassion, and righteousness of God is seen in his giving of the gifts of food and land (Psalm 111), even so the grace, compassion, and righteousness of his people is to be demonstrated in their gracious and prudent lending and distribution of gifts (112). Just as God the Father has lavished his gifts upon you, even so you are to freely give the gifts of your time, resources, and talents to those in need. And just as the Father’s gifts are, at times, ungratefully received and/or taken for granted, your gifts and sacrifices will at times go unnoticed. The clearest example of this for many of you is in parenting. Your calling as parents is to freely give yourselves and all that you have for your children. And often this is a thankless task. Often your sacrifices of time and energy simply go unnoticed and are taken for granted. In times like these you must remember the calling to image your Father in heaven, who persists in the giving of his good gifts even when they are taken for granted. In times like these you must not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season you will reap the harvest if you do not lose heart.