They are fierce and terrifying; their views of justice and authority stem from themselves – Habbakuk 1:7
Because they disregarded the righteousness from God and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness – Romans 10:3
Just as God hates unrighteousness, so He abhors self-righteousness (Watchman Nee).
I looked toward God and saw that I was far from Him. I thought I could do better. I read. I studied. I taught. I instructed the weak and stumbling. I became a pretty good person, certainly I was vastly improved over the way I had been before. I could see where other people were missing it, and I used my experience to help them.
One day the devil’s own Chaldean cavalry rode up in a cloud of dust, and, because they were more powerful, looked to no authority higher than themselves, and judged themselves by human standards, they took me captive. I prayed to the Lord, called upon His Name, and questioned why this had happened to me. Had I not been faithful in giving? Had I not been doing the Lord’s work? Had I not served? Had I not done beautiful things?
There I lay in a dark hole, trussed up like a hog for butchering, helpless. The Lord came to me. ‘What do you think is the problem?’ He asked.
I’ll tell you the truth, I thought I was hallucinating. Why would the Lord ask such a question? But I replied with respect, ‘As You can see, I have been taken captive, bound, and thrown into a dungeon. I should like very much, Lord, to go free.’
The Lord is a light unto Himself. I could see that He pressed His lips together and nodded. ‘I am trying to free you, son.’
I thought to myself, He’s God, ain’t He got a pocketknife? But I said calmly, ‘Since You are here anyway, couldn’t You just untie me and carry me out of this hole?’
He smiled. ‘No, son. You see, I’m the One who sent the devil after you in the first place.’
‘Pardon me, Lord, I am afraid I misunderstood You. You make it sound like You want me in this filthy hole. I could die down here.’
Again the Lord smiled, ‘That’s the idea.’
[A]nd be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9).
