THE PATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS
There is a path designed for the people of truth. It is called the "path of the righteous". Righteousness is gracious gift of God given to us as Christians at the moment of new birth, which grants us the discipline to do right and to thrive in holiness. Righteous people are God-fearing.
Reference: Proverbs 4:18 King James Version (KJV) "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day."
When our lives find their true worth in the Lord, our path will become as the shining light, that shines brighter and brighter unto a full day. The (NIV) rendering is, "The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." I will come to this "morning sun" later.
The word "righteous" is the Greek translation, "dikaiosune". It is the quality of being justifiable or right before God. When God says that your path is like the light of dawn, it shows that your steps are well ordered and directed by Him and in His guidance, your progress unfolds and becomes clearer and evident. Yes you have a wonderful life that dawns like the morning light and develops through the day.
A life of righteousness and godliness keeps your path straight, safe, and bright. And God is the one that illuminates your path with His light. David sang that God dawns on His people like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning...(2 Samuel 23:4 ESV). Think about this: if your path is like the light of dawn, picture the first light of day, whose source comes from the Sun. The same way, God your "Sun," is the source of your life, light, of joy and glory. What type of Sun is this? It is the Sun of righteousness. Remember we are talking about the "righteous". This phrase "the Sun of righteousness" is mentioned in Malachi 4:2 (NIV). As the righteous, this sun is positioned to clear your path, like the bright light of the sunrise and it shines brighter and brighter until full day. In other words, it brings you the daylight, which is beyond the dawn, clearing every darkness in your path.
As pleasing God remains your focus, goal, and the purpose of your daily life, it can only get better for you. The rising sun diffuses light in your path such that all of God's blessings, including all that is healthy in nature revives you and finds expression in your life. This Sun grants us the reign of righteousness and it symbolizes Christ, who is the Source of our justification and enlightenment. As we behold the glory of this Sun (Christ), we are changed from glory to glory. No wonder the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV), "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Again in Psalm 84:11(NLT), the Bible says, "For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right." Notice the word "our sun". He is that Sun that gives us grace and glory, acknowledging that He will not withhold any good thing from the righteous. So the Sun of righteousness regulates the path of the righteous and the glory of the Lord is always the portion of righteous people. Shalom!
Scripture Reading - Job 11:17; Proverbs 2:9; Psalm 97:11; Job 17:9.
Exuberant Declaration: The Lord is the Sun of righteousness in my pathway. Therefore, as the righteous, my path is as a shining light, going and brightening till the day is established. I can never dwell in darkness because I walk in the light of God's Word. His wisdom readily transforms my heart, strengthens my inner man and renews my youth like an eagle. The Sun of righteousness brings light to my spirit to see the true picture of my identity, to walk in prosperity and victory, and to move me from glory to glory. Hallelujah!
