The King of Unexpectations
Day 2
Scripture
Jeremiah 33:14-16
The time is coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill my gracious promise with the people of Israel and Judah. In those days and at that time, I will raise up a righteous branch from David’s line, who will do what is just and right in the land. In those days, Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is what he will be called: The LORD Is Our Righteousness.
Devotional
God had been telling his people that Jesus was coming long before he was actually born. Isn't that wild?!
Jeremiah prophesied (or shared something that was happening in the future) about the coming of the Messiah. This prophecy was spoken some six hundred years before the birth of Jesus Christ.
But, it’s important to know who this prophecy was given to and the history behind why it was given. The Babylonian army was surrounding the city of Jerusalem, the destruction of the city and its temple was imminent.
There was chaos, fear, and unrest among the people. Most political leaders seemingly were looking out only for themselves. But to be fair, it was not just the politicians and religious leaders who had turned away from God, many of His chosen people had as well.
So God had sent Jeremiah to prophesy that death, destruction, and exile would come to the people of Judah and Jerusalem if they did not repent and wholeheartedly return to Him.
And because the people did not heed God’s warning through Jeremiah, the prophecy was becoming a reality.
In the middle of all this chaos, death, and destruction God instructs Jeremiah to prophesy about a righteous Branch sprouting from David’s line. A King, but not like the kings who had been ruling Israel and Judah for the last 400 years, many who did evil in the eyes of God.
This King would do what is just and right. This King would not be born in a palace, or rule from a throne, but would be born in a stable and be raised as the son of a humble carpenter.
This King would not rule with an iron fist, but would humbly minister with love, compassion, mercy, and grace. And this King would ultimately give his life for his people.
God gave this Messianic prophecy through Jeremiah to give His people hope during terrible times. We still have that hope.
The only question is will we accept it, cling to it, and faithfully live according to it?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for keeping your promise to send your Son that we may always have hope, even in the most difficult of times. Pour over us your spirit of love, joy, and peace and help us to seek you always in every moment, good or bad. Amen
Challenge
Throughout the Christmas season, let us prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for the coming of Jesus, and cling to the hope that only He can provide. Hope for better times, and ultimately hope for our salvation that can come only through Jesus Christ.
By Dave Matthews
