June 27, 2023

Do you get so tired of the constant lies, perversions, and disgusting acts of the wicked, that you want to lash out at them, or be angry to the point you seem to get perplexed? If so, you are not alone… in fact, Yahweh’s Word addressed this issue long ago, in the Torah, deut 32:35 nkjv. I think the adversary [devil] uses these tactics to try to frustrate Yahweh’s people, and prod them into fleshly anger and then trap them in the snare of taking vengeance… which Paul said was Yahweh’s responsibility. Rom 12:18-20 nkjv We read in Psalms:

“Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the Lord.” ps 4:4-5 nkjv

What are the sacrifices of righteousness? By definition, “sacrifice,” implies giving up something that costs us something… material value, emotional or comfort cost, surrender pride to humility, and other self-denying collateral. Consider King David, in 1 chron 21:24-27, when he wanted to make a sacrifice, to get back right with Yahweh, because of his sin of numbering the people, when Yahweh told him not to… When Ornan offered to David, for his sacrifice for free, the land [his threshing floor] and all the animals, wood for fire, and grain for “meet” offering, David said this:

“Then King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing.”

As a side note… The core information in this part of 1Chronicles, has certain in depth clues (to many who study where the original temple stood)… because some say that the place of that altar is the center [datum] of where the rest of the “House of God,” was originally built. You can study that, it is a really informative and fascinating subject of contention among those in the know…

Let us consider the consequences of this scripture:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” prov 3:5-6 nkjv

What if some of those “ways” are uncomfortable or costly, say to our material interest, or our personal well being, or our pride or emotional comfort… what then?

Perhaps one reading of that verse could include the “sacrifice of righteousness.” I am referring to us needing to stand in faith, and be faithful in times of duress and great trouble (and do the Biblical thing)… think of Yeshua’s comments in Matthew chapter 24, His Olivet discourse, concerning the dreadful events of the end times and the days approaching the tribulation. What could our cost be to remain righteous [our choice of doing, not referring to the cloak of righteousness that Yeshua’s blood covers us with]… our staying faithful to Yahweh's dictate, that He will deal with vengeance… that we might want to dish out.

The Psalmist reflects on the wicked and their evil persecution of the just, and the hope that the faithful righteous has in the end:

“But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. 12 For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.” ps 5:11-12 nkjv

As evil increasingly invades our space, and agitates our peace, as we enter into more troubling and stressful “last days,” I pray Yahweh will strengthen us to faithfully offer up “sacrifices of righteousness.” Our hope and peace come from His presence… not the false options of escape offered to us by the evil one… who lays in wait for our departure from the “paths of righteousness,” while we walk through the “valley of the shadow of death.”

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” ps 34:19 nkjv

Psalms chapter 34 is a special blessing to the faithful… I hope you will read it to be further encouraged and see how it dispels the illusion of the deceptions of Babylon.

Shalom, John