For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20).

Well, I guess you’re not going to Heaven.

No offense–neither am I.

At least not in our own strength.

Jesus saw these people doing their utmost to follow the letter of the law.  They dotted every I, crossed every T, strained every gnat.  But it wasn’t enough. It never could be. And, they focused so hard on the minutiae that they missed the big picture–

God’s righteous.

Our wretchedness.

Beloved, are you still trying to do this on your own?  Seriously? Still hoping that if you just work a little harder or read a little closer or pray a little more intensely that you will arrive?

You know it doesn’t work that way.

You need the righteousness of Christ.  And hey, good news! He’s got enough to spare, and he’s willing to share if you’ll just ask him.

Enough righteousness to get you into Heaven.

Enough righteousness to get you through today.

So go ahead, ask him.  I’ll wait.

…

There, that’s better.

Happy Wednesday, Beloved.