Thursday, April 3, 2025

Good Morning Friends,

This Thankful Thursday, I’m grateful for a deeper understanding of the divine power that flows through us when we live in alignment with the law of rightness—known as Ma’at in Egyptian tradition and Tzedek in Hebrew.

I’ve been studying about the breastplate of righteousness because it is the part of the Armor of God that covers and protects our heart.  I wondered and asked, “What is it about righteousness that can, in reality, create a literal barrier of protection around our vital organs- most importantly our heart?”

I found the most amazing answer to this question as I followed some crumbs of inspiration and was led to study ancient religious traditions. Across ancient traditions, from Egypt to Israel and beyond, a single foundational principle emerges— AND it has everything to do with the breastplate of righteousness!!! it’s the cosmic, universal, divine “law of rightness”. I will be focusing on Ma’at and Tzedek today, but it’s validating to recognize that this same principle is known as “Rta” in the Vedic traditions, as “asha” in Zoroastrianism, and “Tao” in the Chinese tradition.  The Sumerians, Canoonites, Akkadians, and Hittites all have narratives about chaos and order that align with this divine law of rightness.  Greeks have the concept of “Metis”. Native Americans have “Orenda”. All these ancient traditions proclaim this foundational principle of the divine law of rightness or righteousness, witnessing its validity.

Righteousness is not just about ethical behavior; it is a principle of power. Rightness creates order, and order generates power. It is an incontrovertible natural law. It extends from the tiniest subatomic particles such as protons, electrons and photons,  to the solar systems and galaxies, shaping the universe itself. Power emanates from rightness. When we align with rightness in all we say and do, we gain protection from disorder including deception, instability, and chaos. Those who reject righteousness ultimately experience disorder, destruction and weakness.

God is God because He perfectly upholds rightness. His omnipotence is a result of His adherence to Ma’at. As 1 John 3:7 states, “He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” When we choose rightness in our thoughts, words, and actions, we access divine power and become more like Him.

Living in alignment with Ma’at or Tzedek means doing right and speaking truth—feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, acting with integrity, and seeking justice. It is the power that creates and sustains order at every level of existence.

Professor Jack Logan states it in a way that makes so much sense.  She says:

“ It is clear that ancient texts all agree that the God of Heaven at his core is a being of Tzedek, a being of righteousness.  Lord and lover of Ma’at. He Does and loves righteousness. Psalm 33:4-5, “for the word of the lord is right and all of his works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness.”  God isn’t just, just— He loves justice. He isn’t just true— He loves truth. God isn’t just honest— He loves honesty.  He isn’t just faithful— He loves faithfulness. God isn’t just kind—He loves kindness.  God isn’t just virtuous, He loves virtue… God is Perfectly just, He will never judge us unfairly. There is comfort in knowing He is perfectly kind, He will NEVER do us harm. He is perfectly faithful, He will never fail us, never!  Ma’at is the very essence of who God is.  God is a God because he upheld and continues to uphold the laws of righteousness- Ma’at. His Laws and commands are the laws and commands of rightness. His power is a witness to, and a product of rightness.”

I love it!!  I love that rightness, righteousness literally imbues us with power—>God-like power.  The same power that created worlds, solar systems and galaxies!!

Rightness or righteousness, of our own accord would never fulfill Ma’at or the law of rightness.  We mess up too often and are constantly falling short of Ma’at in our humanness.  We could never glean power from the breastplate of righteousness without the atonement of Jesus Christ.  May we repent daily, check our hearts continually, give all our sins and misalignments with truth and rightness to Christ— always course-correcting and realigning with rightness, so that we might access this divine power and protection. 

Rightness is not just an obligation; it is the key to divine power. It shields our hearts, strengthens our spirits, and aligns us with the Creator Himself. “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” (Isaiah [32:17])

My invitation to you on this Thankful Thursday is to intentionally put on the breastplate of righteousness. Walk in rightness. Power emanates from doing right and speaking truth!

Remember- YOU ARE DESIGNED FOR GREATNESS—> OWN IT!!

Rooting for you always,

Cand

PS

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