The R.A.P on Righteous Living
The R.A.P on Righteous Living
I have done judgment and justice. Psalm 119:121a
For this week’s blog, I wanted to visit the word of God’s call on our lives with respect to the responsibility and practice of living right before the Lord.
However, before we begin, I would appreciate you affording me the opportunity to share some nuances connected with the acrostic: R.A.P.
Contingent on one’s cultural context in addition to the set of circumstances as well as the setting, the term R.A.P enjoys a variety of applications. For instance, for many musicians and artists the acronym R.A.P. stands for Rhythm and Poetry.
But according to Online Etymology, the meaning of the word rap denotes “to talk informally, chat” and it dates to 1929 and was popularized by 1965 in African American vernacular. The word rap was also sourced initially in Caribbean English and from a British slang meaning “to say, or utter”.
In my B.C days (Before the conversion of Christ in my life) like most young men that were interested in female company, I purposed to be proficient in “getting my rap on” to get the girl because being able to rap was an essential skill set for a “wannabe Romeo” ya know. Well, in 1879 the term rap meant "to utter a sudden oath" and the connotation "to perform rap music" was recorded by 1979. In addition, the etymology of the noun, rap, was defined as "a quick, light blow, stroke” as early as 1300.
So, as we transition to spiritual truth tied to the title of this blog entry, The R.A.P on Righteous Living, the context calls our attention to our responsibility and practice of revealing the Lord’s righteousness and deliverance in our lives.
From our text the Psalmist directs us to a point of emphasis in his life: righteous living and exercising in exemplary living.
Righteous living denotes doing what is right or just or normal and rightness. The psalmist is consistent with the call of scripture upon his life. Likewise, the Word of God calls us to be consistent with living lives reflecting HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS and remember, according to the Word of God, this is possible by HIS POWER!
2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue
Now let us consider and capture the call and blessing of righteous living according to the word of God.
Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Psalm 11:17 For the righteous LORD (Jehovah SELF EXISTING GOD) loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
Psalm 5:12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
Honestly in this passage implies to live rightly so that there shall be no room for blame, well, truly.
In closing, I leave you with a simple but spiritual statement by way of exhortation. God, our Father, calls us and expects us to GET OUR R.A.P on! Remember we have the responsibility and practice of righteous living.
Not a sermon just some thoughts
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR