Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In 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. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Righteousness. It’s one of those words in church that is difficult for some to define, and for all of us to embody.
If righteousness really is God’s own perfection in every word, thought and action, it’s a standard that none of us can reach. It’s also one that appears painfully absent in the world around us.
Yet God is a promise keeper! “A righteous Branch will to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.” He will be called, “The Lord is our righteousness.”
This is an incredible message of hope for everyone lost in brokenness and sin. God will have the last and final word. He will enact justice and righteousness not only on our behalf, but on the behalf of everyone and everywhere that we see pain, sin and suffering. Just as Isaiah 25 prophesied, “He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.”
As Pastor Tim Keller observes, “While other worldviews lead us to sit in the midst of life’s joys, foreseeing the coming sorrows, Christianity empowers its people to sit in the midst of this world’s sorrows, tasting the coming joy.” Advent reminds us that through Jesus Christ, joy is coming.
Reflect
Take time to reflect on your own words, thoughts and actions. Do they reflect a Christ-like sort of righteousness? How might the four tenents of Advent Conspiracy reorder your priorities this Advent season so that you can show hope to those in your life? Write down some concrete actions steps you can take to be a blessing to others. Ask someone to hold you accountable and possibly join you this Advent season.
Pray
Dear Jesus,
You are our Righteous Branch. To you and you alone do we cling to for our righteousness. Thank you for never letting us go, and for convicting us, comforting us and then commanding us to reflect your hope in our world. Help us to dwell in your loving presence so that we can be ambassadors of your love, justice, and righteousness everywhere you send us by your strength Lord.
Amen!