Daily Companion  | 28 October

THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL FLOURISH

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon’’ - Psalms 92:12.

Coconut and African oil palm are important sources of vegetable oil and fat in world commerce. According to the Britannica encyclopedia, the coconut fruit is versatile, with various parts used for different purposes such as coir for ropes and mats, its fruit layer for fuel, charcoal, cups, and bottles, flesh for food preparation, and sap for sugar, and vinegar. African oil palm is important for its palm and kernel oil. 

Today's verse compares the righteousness of a believer to the growth of two trees, the palm tree and the cedar in Lebanon. The palm tree is known for its ability to withstand harsh conditions and still flourish, while the cedar in Lebanon is known for its strength and durability. In the same way, those who live a righteous life will be able to withstand the challenges that come their way and continue to thrive.

What does a palm look like in its spiritual illustration of a righteous man? (i) Longevity: Palms usually live long. Then it means, a righteous man will live long without experiencing pre-mature death. (ii) Weather the storm: Palm usually bounces back after a terrible storm blows against it. It illustrates the resilience, strength and longsuffering of a true child of God. (iii) Highly adaptive: It can be found in all seasons and climates. You can live anywhere successfully. (iv) All-round usefulness and fruitfulness: Like a palm tree, a righteous will prosper in whatever he lays his hands upon. 

Beloved, to be righteous starts with a decision to repent from all unrighteousness. For all unrighteousness is sin (1 John 5:17). Secondly, it involves a determination to be true always; a diligence to keep and a life of full dedication to the cause of Christ. 

Today’s Recite: "And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God." - Romans 6:13

Today’s Morning Prayers: (i) Thank you Lord for who I am in You. (ii) Lord, I repent all unrighteousness in my life (iii) Lord, I receive grace for a new and righteous life. (iv) I (put your name) will flourish like a palm in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen!   

Today’s Hymn: Count Your Blessings

Today’s ReadMe:  Romans 11 - 13