Jeremiah 33:14-16 (NRSV)
Read Jeremiah 33:14-16 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Verse 15In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. Verse 16In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The Lord is our righteousness."
Devotion
The Babylonian army has devastated Jerusalem. Some of the Jews have been deported to Babylon, while others are occupied citizens in their own land. Jeremiah writes to people living in this turmoil and chaos, people living in the tension between what is and what will be, people who are waiting in the darkness of not knowing what will come next. He assures them that even amid their adversity, there is anticipation and expectancy. He speaks God’s word of hope, of redemption, of healing, of restoration. “The days are surely coming.” These are promised days: days of the Davidic line renewed, days of justice and of righteousness being served, days of safety restored. It is as if Jeremiah is saying: “These days are promised. They are coming. They will happen. Hang on to God’s promises.”
Prayer
O God, as we look ahead to this Advent season, guide us in our waiting, in our watching, and in our listening to you. Even amid the tensions in our own lives, strengthen us in our hope in you, knowing that it is our way forward. You are true to your promises, and for that we are grateful. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Interested in digging deeper into today’s text?
Read more here.