RR Pursue Righteousness In Our Spheres By David Harwood

Shavuah Tov,

It is written:
 
“Judges and officers you are to appoint within all your gates that Adonai your God is giving you, according to your tribes; and they are to judge the people with righteous judgment (mishpat-tsedek). … Justice, justice (tsedek, tsedek) you must pursue, so that you may live and possess the land that Adonai your God is giving you” (Deuteronomy 16:18–20).
 
This instruction was given to judges and officers. In verse 20, “justice” is tsedek, usually translated as righteousness. “Righteousness, righteousness you shall pursue.” The doubling of this word is the equivalent of putting “righteousness” in all caps, in bold font, followed by an exclamation point: RIGHTEOUSNESS!
 
These men had unique spheres. They had more authority than the average person, but everyone can pursue righteousness. And we should.
 
Usually, the people prophets exhorted to act righteously were the powerful. These are those most likely to oppress the vulnerable. On the other hand, if they pursued RIGHTEOUSNESS! (tsedek, tsedek), they could make a difference in many lives. People tend to emulate their leaders.
 
Political, cultural, and economic elites have huge spheres of influence. But what about the rest of us? Most do not have this level of authority or influence.
 
Please consider John the Immerser’s exhortations.
 
The crowds were asking him, “What should we do?” He answered them, saying, “Whoever has two coats, let him give to the one who has none; and whoever has food, let him do the same.”
 
Tax collectors also came to him to be immersed. “Teacher,” they said to him, “what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not take more than you are supposed to.”
 
Also soldiers asked him, saying, “And what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not take things from anyone by force, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:10–14)
 
The clerk at the cash register can pursue righteousness by being honest. Adolescents can pursue righteousness as they honor their parents and contribute to peace within their parents’ homes. Those younger can care for the aged.
 
At times, fulfilling one’s this-worldly-obligations is a very high spiritual priority.
 
But if anyone does not provide for his own, especially those in his own house, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8)
 
All these spheres are, from a merely human perspective, on a low level of influence. Yet, they are opportunities to pursue righteousness.
 
In 2003 I wrote: "Righteousness is the developing and working out of relationships by the power of the Holy Spirit. Righteousness is active love, mercy and faithfulness." Today, I’d add that the human foundation of righteous interactions is that, through the love we have for the King, we love others as we love ourselves.
 
Also, we pursue righteousness by loving our enemies.
 
To a conquered and oppressed people, the Messiah said, “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.” (Matthew 5:41) Paul preached that we “overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21b)
 
Yeshua was faithful within His assigned sphere. His sphere was His home and, likely, His family’s business. He pursued righteousness there.
 
Then His sphere was His own people. He pursued righteousness as He sought “the lost sheep of the House of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24b)
 
Finally, His sphere reached its apex. He gave His life for the sins of humanity and tore down the devil’s dominion.
 
Even after His resurrection, ascension and glorification, Yeshua is still pursuing righteousness within His sphere.
 
Where did it begin? Through pursuing righteousness in what every child can do. He was subject to His parents.
 
What is your sphere? Pursue righteousness there. Strengthen or lay the foundations of righteousness that qualify you to see the expansion of the Kingdom through your life and, in particular, your prayers.
 
Depart from evil and do good. Seek shalom and pursue it. The eyes of Adonai are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry. (Psalm 34:15–16)
 
Make no mistake. God will work with those who have little influence to affect circumstances way outside their spheres of authority, because nothing is outside of God’s influence. And we can influence God through prayers of confession and intercession.
 
The same faithfulness is called for in every sphere. The same motive is looked for in the pursuit of righteousness. It is a sincere devotion to God and love for others. If we cultivate that, the pursuit of righteousness is right behind.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun      25-Oct-2026              14th of Cheshvan, 5787
Ge 18:1-14                 Jos 21              Ps 20               Mt 16              (2 Jn)