I was a sinner in rebellion against God, and I knew it. In my distress, I turned to the Psalms. But as I looked for comfort from the Psalms, I found only judgment. There was plenty of hope in the Psalms, but none of it was for me. “The wicked will not stand in the judgment … The Lord holds them in derision … You break the teeth of the wicked.” What hope was there for me? Psalm 4 continues the same message. God has set apart the godly for Himself: where is the hope for the ungodly? I finally came to this verse in my New King James translation: “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.” This came with no caveat, and it was not only for the righteous. This gave hope to sinners: Christ offered the sacrifice of righteousness! And though I could never trust in myself, God commanded me to put my trust in Him. This verse opened the door to paradise. The God of all comfort has comforted me from this passage. On my last Sunday at Parish before moving to Grand Rapids, I would like to share that comfort with you. He is the Lord Our Righteousness! —James Crampton
Key Words: Righteousness, Sacrifices, Trust, Good, Face, Joy, Safety
Keystone Verse: Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. (Psalm 4:5)
Bulletin & Newsletter