Not by our Righteousness

Deuteronomy is one of my favorite books in Scripture, though I love the whole Word from Genesis to Revelation.

To me, one of the great themes of Debarim / Deuteronomy is learning to trust the Word of Elohim and walk in faithful covenant relationship with Him. We are called to trust His holy Name through the ups and downs, through the wilderness, fiery serpents and scorpions, and through every trial we encounter on this journey called life.

These verses have been weighing on my heart:

“Do not say in your heart when Yahweh your God has driven them out before you, saying, ‘Because of my righteousness Yahweh has brought me in to possess this land,’ but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that Yahweh is dispossessing them before you.
It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that Yahweh your God is dispossessing them before you, in order to confirm the oath which Yahweh swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”
Deuteronomy 9:4–5 LSB

YHWH made something very clear to Israel: they were not inheriting the land because of their own righteousness or the uprightness of their own hearts. They were inheriting because of YHWH’s covenant faithfulness, His oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His righteous judgment against the wickedness of the nations.

The prophet Ezekiel also speaks this same truth:

“It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name…”
Ezekiel 36:22 LSB

This is a powerful reminder for us as we look forward to the Kingdom to come.

We must never become prideful or think we have somehow merited (ZECHUT MOSHIACH) the Kingdom by our own self-declared righteousness. Our inheritance rests upon YHWH’s faithfulness, mercy, covenant promises, and righteous judgment.

Yet this truth does not lead us away from obedience. Grace, Mercy, and Truth lead us into obedience.

Our obedience does not earn the inheritance; it bears witness that we are in covenant relationship with Him. The Spirit of Torah lifts up new disciples unto righteousness through Messiah Y’shua. Those who belong to Him are called to love Elohim, love one another, guard His Word, and walk in faithfulness. And yes, even showing love to others who are not very nice to us.

“And if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.”
Luke 6:32 LSB

YHWH has always been merciful. He spared Aaron after the sin of the golden calf. He showed mercy to David after his sin concerning Uriah’s wife. He has been faithful and merciful toward His people in great abundance. Though we have forgotten Elohim many times, He has never forgotten His people.

“Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands…”
Isaiah 49:16 LSB

May we never boast in ourselves. May we walk humbly before Him, guarding His commandments through faith in Messiah Y’shua, knowing that our obedience is not the basis of our boasting, but the fruit of a living, loving, covenant relationship with the Almighty.

Shema Yisrael. Love YHWH your Elohim, obey His voice, and cling to Him, that it may be well with you.

HalleluYah. He is faithful to fulfill every promise He has spoken!!

Just as Israel did not inherit the land because of their own righteousness, those who inherit the coming Kingdom will not do so because they have merited it by their own works. YHWH will judge the wicked nations, fulfill His covenant promises, and establish His Kingdom through Messiah Y’shua.

Here is the endurance of the set-apart ones: those who guard the commandments of Elohim and hold fast to the testimony of Y’shua.

YHWH is faithful.

Amén and amen