In my current Bible study in Ps. 37 I completed a word study of the Hebrew word tssadiq, or righteous. It was not terribly in depth as this is a multi-faceted word used repeatedly through Scripture. However, one verse caught my attention.
“He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.”
Proverbs 11:28
Recently in our deputation journey we discovered that we would likely have to travel longer than anticipated. I had my heart set on moving into our field in the Bronx, NYC and getting settled. First it was to be March. Then June. Now the date is uncertain. (Though we may still get to move we will not be able to really be there and settle in until late this year or early 2017). I’ve never really been a “home body” but traveling for two years has given me the desire to just be in one place and have a home that is mine, and to settle into a “normal” life. I know that’s not exactly riches…but sometimes it seems like it takes riches in order to survive in New York City!
Today I was reminded that trusting in riches – in material possessions and things of this life – will lead to instability. Finances and possessions come and go. But the righteous man will flourish as a branch. This reminds me of John 15 where Jesus states He is the vine and we are the branches. Only a branch firmly placed into the vine can bring forth the rich fruit of the vineyard.
I am not trying to declare my own goodness, but the truth of Scripture is that everyone who has placed his trust in Christ for salvation has been declared “righteous” by God. That salvation gives me new life in Christ and the ability to flourish as I draw my nourishment from Him.
I still want to have that house in the Bronx. I want to move in and settle down. But I don’t want my trust to be in a moving date or a set of circumstances regarding possessions. I want to be a rightous man, flourishing in life because my trust is in Christ.
