151. Kingdom of Righteousness.

'The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.' (Romans 14:17) There can be no joy without peace; no peace without justice; no justice without righteousness. Righteousness is therefore the foundation of all other virtues. That is why Scripture says: 'Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.' (Psalm 97:2) Just as every nation has a culture, so does the kingdom of God have a distinct culture. Righteousness is the culture of God's kingdom and the people wear robes of righteousness. 'He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, ... as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.' (Isaiah 61:10) Anyone found without them will be thrown out. "When the king came to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing the wedding clothes. He asked, 'How did you get in here without wedding clothes?'. Then the king told the attendants,'... throw him outside ... For many are invited but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:11-14) Only the ones who are clothed in righteousness are considered blessed to eat at the feast in the Kingdom. "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God." (Luke 14:15) "Many will come from the east and west and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, ..." (Matthew 8:11-12) Therefore it is not enough that we just enter the kingdom but must wear the robes of righteousness. Jesus didn't ask us to seek only his kingdom but also his righteousness as well. (Matthew 6:33) For he says : "Blessed is he who keeps his clothes with him so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed." (Revelation 16:15) Righteousness is therefore the clothing of his people. 'May your priests be clothed with righteousness and may your saints sing for joy.' (Psalm 132:9) As kingdom citizens, let's showcase the culture of heaven on earth by wearing the robes of the kingdom we represent. Amen.