righteous – Judy in the Sky

Read Psalm 33 – Eternity will not make sense without an understanding of God. As humans, we want to feel some measure of control – yet it is a world we did not create. As we allow for awe, reverence and fear of God, even the most difficult things of this life can be entrusted to Jesus.

My heart is aching for a loved one today. She is facing something I fear, yet here is God’s Word, waiting for me… as if knowing all along I would need this Psalm today. Verse :1 seemed too hard at first look, “Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.” But as I read on, my focus shifted to our Father’s glory, and the ache began to fade into trust, and my ability to sing joyfully came alive.

“By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.” :6-7 That makes me feel small in the very best way – like the view of the world out of my airplane window, or the feeling of standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon. This world is such a simple thing to God.

“We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” :20-22

Reflections on Mark 11 – Jesus is King! Jesus has been serving behind the scenes, healing, teaching, saving souls, and often telling those whose lives he changed/healed to tell no one. Now he enters Jerusalem as King, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy on Zechariah 9:9. And the people lined the streets, laying their garments and green branches on the road ahead of Him (:8). And Jesus rode in as the people shouted praises to the one who came in the name of the Lord – Beloved, glory, glory, hallelujah! Jesus is recognized as Messiah at last! We celebrate it today as “Palm Sunday”; it falls on the Sunday before Easter.

Next, some things happen that may seem confusing, but check it out: Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem, then He goes into the Temple and looks around, and leaves (:11).

The next day He saw a fig tree in full leaf and He was hungry, so He looked for fruit, found none and cursed it (:12-14). The fig tree is a living metaphor for Israel. The religious leaders were all dressed up and looked good on the outside, like this fig tree, but on careful inspection they did not bear any fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are the types of fruit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, Jesus cursed the tree and it withered from the roots up (:20).

So, back up again to where Jesus looked around the Temple and left(:11). Jesus saw what was going on, but did not react at that moment. Beloved, sometimes you will see a situation that must be dealt with, but wisdom and timing are crucial. Sometimes it is best to step away and pray.

The next day, Jesus deals with the corruption in the Temple – driving out those selling animals for sacrifice, knocking over tables, etc.

Beloved, church is essential, and it should not be run for the profit of thieves. The Church should unite us to Jesus and one another as one body, His bride, and each of us should be growing the Galatians 5 fruit. Our church leaders have a great responsibility, and we do too. Ask yourself how healthy are your roots? Are you feeling dry? Are you spending time with the Lord beyond Sunday morning? Have you fallen away from attending church in person? Are you reading His Word for yourself?