Monday, November 23, 2015

Thoughts on Psalm 119:3



3 They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways.

“Do no iniquity.” I knew it. Here come the rules. The do’s and the don’ts.


Read it again. They also do no iniquity.


The word “also” is very significant. It means “in addition.” So in context with verses 1 and 2: those who keep God’s word - who hide it in their heart, who meditate on it day and night - those who seek Him with all their heart are blessed. More blessed than Mary, as Jesus said. In addition to being blessed, they do no iniquity. “Doing no iniquity” is not a prerequisite.


It’s a byproduct.


Religion tells us, “You’re a sinner and God is mad at you. Stop sinning and get your act together. Then God will bless you.” And that mindset is what Psalm 119:1 was calling “defiled.” Polluted. Corrupt. It’s not true.


All religions put the emphasis on what man must do to earn God’s blessing: sacrifices, penances, keeping rules, stop sinning, doing right, avoiding wrong.


For example, the woman caught in adultery in John 8 was about to be stoned to death. Religion demanded it (Lev 20:10). In essence, saying “you did wrong - you must be punished.”


They brought her to Jesus, and you know the story, He said, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” John 8:7


Religion wanted to punish her. But Jesus is not a religion.


He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?
She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:10-11


Do you think the woman ever committed adultery again? I don’t think so.


And why not? So she could “get right” with God?


No - she encountered the Word of God - the words of Jesus. The Love, the Kindness, the Forgiveness of God.

She kept it; she treasured it in her heart. And as a result, she was blessed. She “sinned no more,” that is, she did no iniquity. She walked in His ways.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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