Sermon by Pastor Nathan Johnson, 3/31/2025
In a world that often feels cold and unfair, where injustice seems to reign and friends can be few, there’s a profound truth that can uplift our spirits and renew our hope: The Lord will always do you right.
This simple yet powerful statement serves as an anchor in turbulent times. It reminds us that even when the world around us seems to be falling apart, there is Someone who cares deeply for us and whose character remains steadfast and true.
The essence of this truth lies in understanding the righteousness of God. Psalm 145:17 declares, “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and gracious in all his acts.” This righteousness isn’t just a facet of God’s character; it’s the very core of who He is. It’s a matter of His unchanging nature and His unbreakable covenant with His people.
Consider for a moment the attributes of God: He is holy, just, loving, compassionate, gracious, truthful, faithful, all-knowing, all-wise, all-good, ever-present, and all-powerful. Unlike us, who can sometimes act out of character or surprise even ourselves with our behavior, God is never out of alignment with His nature. He’s never not Himself. There’s a profound comfort in knowing that the God we serve is not moody, fickle, or capricious. He is always who He is, always true to His word, always righteous.
This righteousness of God is exhaustive – it encompasses everything He does and every moment in time. While we might be righteous in some things, none of us can claim to be righteous in everything. But God? Every word He speaks, every action He takes, every judgment He makes is in perfect alignment with His character. He never misspeaks, never makes mistakes, never has to say “Oops, I didn’t mean to do that.” Everything God does is purposeful and right.
What does this mean for us? It means that even in our fallibility, even when we’re right or when we’re wrong, when everyone likes us or when no one wants to be bothered with us, God remains righteous towards us. His love and justice don’t fluctuate based on our performance or popularity. The Lord will always do us right, regardless of our circumstances.
We see evidence of God’s righteousness in how He reaches out to us, recovers us, and resources us. When we’re falling, He extends His hand to catch us. When we’re overwhelmed and ready to quit, He refreshes and energizes us. When we lack, He provides what we need. These aren’t just poetic ideas; they’re real experiences that many can testify to in their own lives.
Think about those moments when you were about to lose your footing, but somehow found the strength to keep going. Remember the times when the burden felt too heavy, but you received an unexpected boost of energy. Recall the instances when your resources were depleted, but provision came just in time. These are not coincidences; they’re evidence of a righteous God doing right by His children.
The ultimate display of God’s righteousness, however, is found in His determination to deliver us from our greatest problem – sin. Romans 3 paints a powerful picture of God’s solution. Imagine yourself on death row, awaiting the punishment you deserve. But then, in an act of unimaginable love and justice, God pushes you back and puts His Son, Jesus Christ, forward in your place.
This is the epitome of God’s righteousness – that He would satisfy the demands of justice while extending mercy to us. As the prophet Isaiah foretold, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” At the cross, God demonstrated His righteousness in the most profound way, making it possible for us to be made right with Him.
This truth – that the Lord will always do you right – isn’t just a nice sentiment. It’s a life-changing reality that has the power to transform how we view our past, present, and future. It means that even in our darkest moments, we have a friend who sticks closer than a brother. It means that when we’re down to our last dime, we have a provider who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. It means that when we’re sick and can’t get well on our own, we have a doctor who can heal both body and soul.
For those who have experienced this righteousness firsthand, it becomes a testimony: “He’s always done me right.” It’s a personal affirmation of God’s faithfulness through every season of life. From picking us up when we’ve fallen, to turning our lives around, to placing our feet on solid ground – the stories of God’s righteous acts in our lives become a powerful witness to His character.
This invitation to experience God’s righteousness is open to all. For those who don’t yet know Him, it’s an opportunity to enter into a relationship with the only One who will never do you wrong, never mistreat you, never misjudge you. Accepting this gift of salvation and eternal life is as simple as saying “Yes, Lord, here I am.”
For those who already believe but have drifted away from church community, it’s a call to return. Being part of a church isn’t just about attending services; it’s about finding a place to serve, grow, study, and encourage others. It’s about surrounding yourself with reminders of God’s righteousness and faithfulness.
In a world that often feels like it’s doing us wrong, the truth that the Lord will always do us right is a beacon of hope. It allows us to persevere through injustice, to find strength in weakness, and to trust in a love that never fails. So the next time you feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, remember this truth. Let it sink deep into your heart and transform your perspective. The Lord will always do you right – yesterday, today, and forever.