Genuine Possession
The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives; for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land.
PSALM 37:21-22
+
Genuine Possession
This is a comforting difference among possessions. Not only are the possessions of the wicked perishable and transitory, but they are evil and damnable possessions, because they have only been heaped up and have not been distributed to those in need. This violates the nature of possessions. The possessions of the righteous, on the other hand, not only have no end—because he trusts in God and waits for his possessions from Him—but they are truly useful possessions which are distributed to others and are not just heaped up. Thus he has enough, even without temporal grain, and gives enough to others too. This is a genuine possession. Even though you may not have much, it is God-pleasing and useful.
From Four Psalms of Comfort, on Psalm 37 (Luther's Works 14:219)
May 19
PSALM 37:21-22
+
Genuine Possession
This is a comforting difference among possessions. Not only are the possessions of the wicked perishable and transitory, but they are evil and damnable possessions, because they have only been heaped up and have not been distributed to those in need. This violates the nature of possessions. The possessions of the righteous, on the other hand, not only have no end—because he trusts in God and waits for his possessions from Him—but they are truly useful possessions which are distributed to others and are not just heaped up. Thus he has enough, even without temporal grain, and gives enough to others too. This is a genuine possession. Even though you may not have much, it is God-pleasing and useful.
From Four Psalms of Comfort, on Psalm 37 (Luther's Works 14:219)
May 19
Posted in Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Faith Comes By HearingAll Day LongThe Lord Keeps for HimselfSalvation Has ComeGrafted InStand Fast By FaithKindness and SeverityThe MysteryMercy on AllUnsearchableLiving SacrificesGiftsGenuine LoveThe Meaning of LifeGod EstablishedThe Summary of the Law is LoveThe Armor of LightMade to StandLiving to the LordEvery Knee Shall BowStumbling BlockTrue FreedomServant of the ChurchOur ExampleFellow WorkersAbound in HopeA Good TeacherGod’s WorkTravel PlansThe Fullness of His BlessingStrive TogetherWelcomeGreet One AnotherWatch Out
February
GreetingsAble to StrengthenAuthorityBlessed BeRedemption in His BloodSpiritual BlessingsGive ThanksDead Men WalkingBy GraceImmeasurable RichesBy GraceGod's WorkmanshipSeparatedBrought NearNo More HostilityTotal AccessFellow CitizensFor This ReasonMystery RevealedLeast of AllEternal PurposeFaith in HimSpiritual StrengthAbundant GiftWalk in LoveChrist's MeasureGifts to MenUnity of the FaithTo and Fro
March
Truth in LoveWalking a New PathA New SelfPut Away FalsehoodNew LifeImitators of GodSons of DisobedienceChildren of LightThe Will of the LordOne FleshFilled with the SpiritThe Church SubmitsChrist LovesProfound MysteryChildren of PromiseBring Them UpBondservants of ChristYour MasterStrong in the LordThe Whole Armor of GodStand FirmLove IncorruptibleGrace and PeaceHope Laid UpRedemptionThe Fullness of GodReconciledThe Hope of GloryToilGreat StruggleRooted in Christ