Zealous Deception

S - Romans 10:2-4 (NIV): " For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes."

O - True righteousness is not something we strive for; it is something, someone we submit to.  Righteousness is not primarily a code of conduct, it is a person (1 Corinthians 1:30). Zeal without the knowledge of Jesus becomes a trap and bondage in its pursuit of perceived righteousness .  It wants to establish its own standard which will NEVER be sufficient to God or the zealot.  The zealot will never be able to fulfill the demands of such  self-imposed rigor and so begins to compartmentalize its own failings (self-deception) while  pretending with others and judging others according to a measure they are not living up to.  The end is a focus on self and self-deception.  Jesus makes an end to this sad and futile cycle.  He calls all people to himself to receive wisdom, redemption, righteousness and holiness.  With Jesus it is not try harder but come nearer.  Real life is not found in more sacrifice but in ongoing submission. 

A - Being not doing is the priority for sons and daughters.  The doing flows from the being NOT the other way around.  Any zeal I have is to be engaged for the pursuit of ongoing relationship with Jesus (and his Father and the Holy Spirit) and loving my neighbor as myself.  Jesus ends all performance and calls all to the beauty of adoption.  Today I get come near and stay near … unto the wisdom, redemption, righteousness and holiness that is Jesus.

P - Father of Jesus and Father of me,

Thank you for wanting us/me unto adoption.  Thank you for giving us our identity and for growing us up to join you in the work you are already doing.  Lord, please let me work with you.  Lord, please protect me from working for you.  Lord, I submit to you, welcoming you, your will and your way as you wish.  Let today be a day that your life is flowing into me and out of me.  I ask for open doors, open heavens and an open purse.  Let me love you back and my neighbor and brothers as myself.  Thank you, Jesus for becoming for all wisdom, redemption, righteousness and holiness.  Let me/us life up and carry your name today.

Submitted to you,

Steve