Oct 15 – The Righteous One!

“He who is righteous, let him be righteous still.” (Revelation 22:11)

In the final chapter of the Bible, Revelation 22, the Lord places great emphasis on righteousness and holiness. Indeed, righteousness and holiness are essential in the life of anyone who desires to be found ready at the Lord’s coming.

Jesus Christ says: “He who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I am coming quickly.” (Revelation 22:11–12)

When Christ comes, you will certainly receive the reward that corresponds to your life of righteousness and holiness. Therefore, every day, hunger and thirst for righteousness and holiness. Move forward with a longing in your heart: “I must grow in holiness. I must walk in greater righteousness.”

There was once a deer in a forest that could run extremely fast. None of the other animals in the forest could match its speed. One day, however, a frog challenged the deer to a race. All the animals gathered around, and the race began. As the deer started running, the frog leaped onto its back and held on tightly. The deer did not notice this and was running at full speed. As it approached the finishing point, it repeatedly looked back to see where the frog was. That was precisely the moment the frog had been waiting for. It quickly jumped from the deer’s back, reached the finish line, and claimed the victory!

There is an important spiritual lesson here. Forget your own righteousness and take hold of the righteousness of Christ.

Christ lived righteously in this world. He performed works of righteousness, upheld justice and righteousness, and finished His race victoriously.

The righteous people of the Old Testament ran their race depending upon the righteousness prescribed by the Law. Yet, however faithfully they ran, their own righteousness could never reach the standard of God’s perfect righteousness.

But we are blessed! We do not depend upon our own righteousness. We depend upon the righteousness of Christ. We are united with Him. He has made us righteous and clothed us with His righteousness. Therefore, our race will end in victory—not because of our own strength or goodness, but because we are trusting in Christ and His righteousness.

The apostle Paul, having put on the righteousness of Christ, could say at the end of his race: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) He looked forward to the crown of righteousness that the Lord would give him.

Countless saints of Christ have also completed their race faithfully, walking as righteous people before God. We can see their footprints throughout the pages of Christian history. The Lord will help you to finish your race victoriously as well.

Verse for further meditation: “Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, And I will praise the Lord.” (Psalm 118:19)